Iran, Cuba more resilient after US sanctions: Zarif

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Iran and Cuba have both endured cruel sanctions imposed by the United States, stressing that such bans have enhanced the perseverance and resistance of the two nations.

“The resistance of the Iranian and Cuban nations has left the hegemonic countries no other choice but compromise and renunciation of their hostile policies even in their words,” Zarif said in the opening ceremony of Iran-Cuba joint economic conference in Havana on Monday.  

He added that steadfastness of the Iranian and Cuban people is a “valuable asset” to improve cooperation between the two countries’ state and private sectors.

The top Iranian diplomat further emphasized that Tehran and Havana should make use of the appropriate opportunity created following the removal of sanctions against Iran to strengthen relations.

“Iran and Cuba enjoy broad interaction on political and international scenes and their cooperation must be improved in the economic sector,” Zarif said.

He noted that the high-ranking politico-economic delegation accompanying him in his six-nation tour of Latin America indicates that the “Islamic Republic attaches great importance to its deep and strong ties with Cuba and the Latin American countries.”

He said Tehran and Havana can boost cooperation, adding that this would be beneficial to Latin American countries.

Earlier on Monday, the Foreign Minister paid tribute to Jose Marti, Cuba’s national hero, and laid a wreath at his memorial monument.

Zarif and his entourage visited parts of the building.

SS