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21:37 18.02.2026 •
Photo: MFA
On February 18, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Cuba, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who is in Russia on a working visit, MFA informs.
During the meeting, which took place in a traditionally friendly and trusting atmosphere, the foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening their allied strategic partnership across a broad range of areas. They also discussed current global and regional issues.
The Russian side strongly condemned Washington’s illegitimate sanctions against Havana, as well as the economic and military pressure exerted on the Cuban state and its citizens. The unacceptability of imposing restrictive measures on Cuba in the energy sector was emphasised.
Consistent support for Havana’s just demand for an immediate end to the US trade, economic, and financial embargo was reaffirmed, as well as for Cuba’s removal from the State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cuba Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla
Dear Bruno,
Friends, colleagues,
We are delighted to welcome you to Moscow.
We know that you have a very busy programme, which includes all aspects of our bilateral relations, in particular, in trade, the economy, investment and finance. This is especially topical in the current situation, which has developed in Cuba, a fraternal country, as a result of the US threatening to toughen its inhuman and illegitimate actions after a more than 70-year-long blockade.
Like the greater part of the international community, we call on the United States to show common sense and take a responsible attitude, refraining from implementing its plans for a naval blockade of the Island of Freedom. We categorically reject the far-fetched allegations regarding Russia and Cuba, and cooperation between them, which is presumably threatening the interests of the United States or any other countries.
All disputes should be settled exclusively through dialogue based on mutual respect and a balance of interests. We know that our Cuban friends are always ready for honest negotiations. For our part, we remain committed to supporting Cuba and the Cuban people in their efforts to defend their sovereignty and security.
We will discuss all these issues today. We value our Cuban friends’ views on the developments around their country and in Latin American as a whole, where the situation is clearly getting worse.
I am confident that it will be a useful meeting, which will be an integral part of your intensive talks with Russian leaders.
***
(Speaking after a statement by Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cuba Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla)
I would like to reiterate our complete solidarity with our Cuban friends. I fully share the views on our relations and strategic partnership, which you have stated.
I would also like to reaffirm the complete unacceptability of actions by the United States, which, as you have reminded just now, has adopted an executive order designating Cuba as a threat to US national interests. At the same time, the document says that this alleged threat is exacerbated by Cuba’s cooperation with Russia, which has been described in the document as a “hostile” and “malign” actor.
We are confident that all states should define their national interests in a way that will include recognition of and respect for the national interests of all other countries.
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