New york: At the United Nations, Pakistan has reiterated its support for the draft resolution seeking an end to the economic embargo against Cuba. The support was reiterated by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, while delivering a statement at a debate in the General Assembly titled ‘Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba’.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Ambassador emphasized Pakistan’s longstanding and unwavering commitment to multilateralism. Guided by the principles of the UN Charter, Pakistan believes that international cooperation must rest on the pillars of sovereign equality, mutual respect, and non-interference in the internal affairs of States.

The Ambassador stated that Pakistan views the lifting of the embargo as essential for enabling the Cuban people to realize their right to development and prosperity. He affirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Government and people of Cuba in their sovereign right to choose their path of development and ensure access to essential goods such as food, medicine, and technology without restrictions.

He expressed concern over the impact that the economic embargo has had on Cuba, suggesting that such measures contradict the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Ambassador also welcomed the report of the Secretary General, which documents the multidimensional impacts of the embargo.