Bávaro, The Dominican Republic - Latin American and Caribbean Heads of State and Government held a minute of silence in honor of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, on inaugurating the 5th Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) this Tuesday, January 24.

The President of the Dominican Republic Danilo Medina stated that Fidel was “one of the main champions of CELAC and a firm believer in the dream of a united Latin America.”

In his opening speech, Medina said that the region was coming together at a time when its competitiveness and the living standards of its people had improved.

He also warned of the protectionist discourses emanating from certain international powers, representing a challenge for CELAC.

In his opinion, this community of states must do everything in its power to preserve the benefits of an interconnected world and what has been achieved to date in the social sphere.

Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic, Miguel Vargas welcomed those attending the Summit and noted that it was an honor for the country to hold the Pro Tempore Presidency of the regional mechanism created in 2011.

On January 21, National Coordinators of the member states analyzed a political declaration and a further 20 special declarations, focused on subjects such as the rejection of the United States economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba.

Other points to discuss were related to regional integration, economic, social and cultural policy, sustainable development and technical cooperation.

The Meeting of Foreign Ministers was held this Tuesday, prior to the meeting of heads of state and government, scheduled for January 24 - 25, with the attendance of the presidents of more than ten countries, including Venezuela, Bolivia, Mexico and Ecuador.

A meeting of social movements for peace, unity and integration was also held, during which the attempts by the United States to militarize and intervene in the region, Puerto Rico’s right to independence, the need to lift the blockade of Cuba and for the return of the territory occupied by the Guantánamo Naval Base, were all discussed.

The event was aimed at supporting the existence and continuity of this important bloc for regional integration, and denouncing imperialism. It also promoted support for the right of each country to sovereignty, self-determination, peace, unity and integration.

CELAC, which brings together all the nations of the American continent except the United States and Canada, held its first meeting of heads of state and government in Chile in 2013, the second in Cuba (2014), the third in Costa Rica (2015) and the fourth in Ecuador (2016).