Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations. (Photo: VOV)

At the UN General Assembly’s annual debate earlier this week, Ambassador Giang called on the US to lift the embargo, remove Cuba from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism, reverse its current policies on Cuba, and move toward normalising relations between the two nations based on equality, reciprocity, and respect for each other's sovereignty and political independence.

Vietnam stands ready to share its experience and contribute to promoting dialogue and building trust in this process. He affirmed Vietnam’s close cooperation, friendship, and solidarity with the Cuban people.

Other countries talked about the difficulties faced by the Cuban people due to the prolonged embargos over six decades. They said that if the ban is not lifted, it will be difficult for Cuba to achieve its socio-economic development and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

After the debate, the 193-member UN General Asembly voted on aresolution on the “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba”. There were 187 votes in favor, two against, and one abstention.