HAVANA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Tuesday condemned Washington's intensified economic blockade against the island nation. In his video address to the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, Diaz-Canel also said that the current U.S. administration tries to discredit the Caribbean island's medical assistance as part of the global response to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.
"Saving lives and sharing what we are and have, no matter what sacrifice it takes, that is what we are offering to the United Nations, to which we only request to be attuned with the gravity of the present time," he said. "Let us strive together to promote peace, solidarity, and development."
Cuba has sent over 3,700 health professionals to 39 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, and for the first time to Europe, where two Cuban medical teams are still providing health assistance in Italy and Andorra.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis and its direct impact on the work at the UN headquarters in New York, Cuba has postponed until next year the draft resolution it annually submits to the UN General Assembly, condemning the U.S. blockade of the island.
The Cuban leader also condemned U.S. interference in the internal affairs of China, saying it opposes "any attempt to harm its(China's) territorial integrity and its sovereignty."
China and Cuba will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations on Sept. 28.
