"The reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States of America, the opening of embassies and the policy changes announced by [US] President Barack Obama with regard to our country constitute a major progress, which has elicited the broadest support of the international community," Castro stated, speaking at the UN Sustainable Development Summit.
According to him, unfortunately, interests of both US and Cuban nationals remain negatively affected by the restrictive measures.
"The economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba persists bringing damages and hardships on the Cuban people, and standing as the main obstacle to our country's economic development, while affecting other nations due to its extraterritorial scope, and hurting the interests of American citizens and companies," Castro stressed.
The United States and Cuba officially reestablished full diplomatic relations on July 20 by reopening embassies in the countries’ capitals after 54 years of hostility.
The thaw in bilateral relations started after Obama announced in December 2014 that his administration would pursue a path towards normalizing relations with Cuba.
Despite the outlined progress, Washington continues to hold a congressionally mandated embargo on Havana.
