Cuban Ambassador Jorge Cepero presented his credentials to WFP Executive Director, reaffirming the country’s commitment to expanding cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties, while denouncing U.S. sanctions as obstacles to food security.

The Cuban Ambassador to Italy and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Agencies in Rome, Jorge Cepero, presented his credentials to the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain, on Tuesday, February 24.

The official meeting at the organization’s headquarters reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to expanding collaborative projects and strengthening bilateral relations.

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During the ceremony, the Cuban diplomat expressed his Government’s gratitude for the WFP’s support, highlighting that “the organization’s capacity to respond to emergency situations.” In particular, he emphasized the assistance provided to Cuban communities affected by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba.

Ambassador Cepero Aguilar outlined the challenges facing food security in Cuba, pointing to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States as the main obstacle for the growth of the country. In this sense, he denounced that this policy of interference, reinforced by an Executive Order signed on January, 29 by President Donald Trump, “generates humanitarian consequences by increasing the cost of transporting food and limiting access to financing, markets, and technologies necessary for agricultural production.”

For her part, Cindy McCain reaffirmed the WFP’s commitment to remain an active partner in supporting social protection policies and local development on the island.

Text reads: “The Ambassador of Cuba in Italy and Permanent Representative to the UN agencies based in Rome, Jorge Luis Cepero Aguilar, presented his Letters of Credence to the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain.”

Areas of Mutual Cooperation

Cindy McCain also emphasized that the WFP program prioritizes support for agricultural value chains, from seed production to final consumption, with the goal of increasing farmers’ productivity and ensuring a stable supply of nutritious food for the population.

The international organization confirmed that it will maintain its technical assistance and equipment supply to reduce the vulnerability of the Cuban food system to climate change.

Both officials agreed on the importance of continuing to transform lives by updating the economic model and improving crop yields and quality in the country and reaffirmed their commitment to working on diversifying ties in strategic sectors.

Extensive potential was identified to expand exchange in the areas of culture, education, science and health, as well as in the economic and commercial sphere, with the aim of consolidating a mutual development agenda for the coming years.

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