UN General Assembly
2020

The economic, trade, and financial embargo imposed on Cuba many years ago continues to be, in our view, another cause of major concern. For this reason, Sao Tome & Principe reiterates our call for these sanctions to be lifted in order to allow Cuba to face the challenges of economic and social development without the constraints imposed by unfair sanctions and take better advantage of opportunities in trade relations on an equal footing with the other Member States of our Organization. The persistence of violent extremism must continue to receive our attention but not to the detriment of other equally important challenges to human existence, which are reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals, such as combating poverty, climate change, and sea piracy, among others. Mr. President, Honorable Heads of State and Government Our planet is profoundly distressed by the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the new coronavirus, with incalculable consequences both for our health and in social and economic terms.