Distinguished guests;
Allow me to say a few words before going over to the ceremony to hand over the Pro-Tempore Presidency to the Republic of Costa Rica.
The celebration of the Second Summit of our Community marks the end of Cuba’s one year Pro Tempore Presidency, which we tried to carry out in a serious and responsible way.
We have received a valuable support from all of you and I would like to convey to you the deepest gratitude of the government and the entire Cuban people for your participation in these days of broad and profound discussions of our countries’ biggest concerns.
The documents adopted at this Second Summit have reaffirmed our commitment with the values that led to the foundation of CELAC and our strong belief that unity amid diversity as well as the Latin American and Caribbean integration are the only viable alternatives for the region.