Havana, May 9, 2006. (ACN) Belize’s Foreign Minister Eamon Courtney said that Cuba-Belize relations are characterized by good bilateral efforts and noted that his country will never be able to pay back Cuban contribution. Courtney made his statement in Belize City during the final session of the Cuba-Belize Ninth Joint Intergovernmental Commission, where it was agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in 12 different economic and social areas including heath, agriculture, education, trade, culture and the fight against crime. The Belizean government official said that while relations between the countries of the world are full of diplomatic and courtesy gestures, Cuba offers concrete actions. “Cuba’s cooperation constitutes an example of true solidarity between our two nations,” said Courtney and thanked Cuba for its unconditional support of Belize’s independence struggle and its firm stance in backing, at the international level, the Central American nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. “We will equal Cuba’s commitment with our own unconditional respect for the rights of the Cuban people to develop the system that best fits their national interests,” said the Belizean government official. Loretta Blanco, the Cuban deputy minister of Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation, reiterated the island’s commitment to continue boosting cooperation with the Central American nation. Blanco, who headed the Cuban delegation at the joint meeting, said, “Even though we are two underdeveloped countries, we must continue to strengthen bilateral relations so that in 2007 we will be able to evaluate them and take steps to increase this cooperation.” |