Minister Budrys: Lithuania firmly supports the aspirations of the Cuban people to live in a democratic system

On 19 March, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, met with Cuban opposition leaders and human rights defenders. The meeting focused on the human rights situation in Cuba, the regime's support for Russian aggression, and concrete steps taken by Lithuania to increase pressure on the dictatorship.

According to the Minister, Lithuania strongly supports the aspirations of the Cuban people to live in a democratic system.

"Our own historical transformation from occupation to a free-market economy and democracy allows us not only to understand the desire of the Cuban people, but also to offer expert support for future changes," said Budrys.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy presented the national action plan on Cuba, adopted in November 2025, and Lithuania's principled position against the ratification of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) until there are real changes in the field of human rights.

"The Cuban regime's support for Russia's war against Ukraine only proves once again that authoritarian forces are collaborating. Therefore, our response must be uncompromising - Lithuania will continue actively raise the Cuban human rights issue in international formats," the Minister said at the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Rosa María Payá, recognized as a leading voice of the younger generation in Latin American politics and the President of "Pasos de Cambio"; Teo Babun, President and CEO of "Outreach Aid to the Americas"; and Tony Costa, President of the "Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba".