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NZ welcomes US, Cuba announcement

Hon Murray McCully

Minister of Foreign Affairs
18 December 2014 Media Statement

NZ welcomes US, Cuba announcement

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has welcomed this morning’s announcement that the United States and Cuba intend to re-establish diplomatic relations after 53 years.

“New Zealand supports this decision which is a significant step forward for both countries and the region,” Mr McCully says.

“To make progress on such a long standing issue shows willingness from both sides to overcome a long history of tension, and I congratulate Presidents Obama and Castro.

“The trade embargo which remains in place against Cuba is a handbrake not only for economic relations between the US and Cuba but for the wider Caribbean region.

“The move to re-establish diplomatic relations heralds a new era for US/Cuba relations and we hope both parties can go further and take the necessary steps to normalise their economic relationship.

“New Zealand already has diplomatic ties with Cuba. I have visited Havana twice and the Cuban Foreign Minister visited New Zealand in September this year.

“New Zealand and Cuba have also entered into a formal partnership which sees us working to support sustainable development in the Pacific region and we look forward to further cooperation in this area,” Mr McCully says.


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