Venezuela reaffirms "fraternal" ties with Cuba despite U.S. pressure to sever relations

CARACAS, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela on Sunday reiterated its "historic stance" toward Cuba, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the principles of "fraternity, solidarity, cooperation and complementarity," despite mounting pressure from Washington for Caracas to isolate the Caribbean nation.

The Venezuelan government released a statement underscoring its support for the free exercise of self-determination and sovereignty of peoples, which it considers fundamental pillars of international relations.

It emphasized its adherence to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and international law, highlighting the longstanding and evolving ties between Venezuela and Cuba.

The Venezuelan government stressed that relations between states should be governed by the principles of non-intervention, sovereign equality and self-determination and that "political and diplomatic dialogue" is the only viable path to "peacefully resolve disputes of any kind."

This statement comes amidst heightened pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged Venezuela to isolate Cuba by cutting off the flow of fuel and money from the South American country to the island nation. ■