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Caribbean States gather in Cuba to address regional challenges

Xinhua, June 3, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Association of Caribbean States (ACS) on Thursday began its seventh summit here to discuss the region's challenges in a scenario of economic crisis and "threats" to the peace, democracy and stability.

Cuba, which holds the presidency of the ACS during the next year, will host the summit until June 4 with the participation of its 25 member states, seven associate members as well as 22 nations and 9 international organizations as observers.

Senior officials kicked off the summit on Thursday with the discussion of the event's topics, declarations and action plans before the foreign ministers convene on Friday to prepare for the meeting of the presidents and heads of State on Saturday.

The summit takes place at an "unparalleled" moment for the region facing multiple political, economic and social challenges, Deputy Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Carlos Zamora, told reporters.

"The unity of ACS member nations is important at this time to defend our interests in an area that has varied and dissimilar challenges," he said.

The Cuban senior official said the summit will also debate the impact of climate change particularly for small island nations of the Caribbean and the threat it poses for some of the member countries.

Zamora added Caribbean leaders will discuss "destabilization threats" to member states of the ACS as well as other issues related to economic cooperation, air and maritime transportation and sustainable tourism for the region.

Regarding Cuba's participation in the ACS and its presidency, Zamora said Havana will contribute to uplift the organization's presence in the continent and revitalize the consultation, cooperation and concerted action mechanisms of the bloc.

"Cuba has been a part of the ACS since its foundation in 1994 and it has strong cooperation ties with all of its members," stressed the diplomat.

The ACS has condemned the U.S. economic blockade on the island since its first summit and has also praised Havana's commitment to work for the unity and regional integration of Latin America and the Caribbean.

"Over 20,000 young people from ACS countries have graduated in Cuba and currently over 38,000 Cuban doctors, teachers and advisers work in these nations as a sign of our true commitment to fruitful cooperation," said Zamora.

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, Colombia's Juan Manuel Santos, Panama's Juan Carlos Varela, Costa Rica's Luis Guillermo Solis, most of the Caribbean nations leaders and the host, Cuba's President Raul Castro, will participate in the meeting.

During the summit a new secretary general will be elected to replace Colombian diplomat, Alfonso Munera, who has headed the organization since April of 2012.

The Association of Caribbean States (ACS) was created in July of 1994 in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, with the aim of promoting consultation, cooperation and concerted action among all the countries of the Caribbean, comprising 25 member states. Endit