HAVANA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Cuba's Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that Colombian president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella's plan to close the Colombian embassy in Havana and cut bilateral ties was unjustified and reflected subordination to U.S. policy against the island.
"In an act of subordination to the United States' policy of aggression, Colombia's president-elect announces that he will sever ties with Cuba," the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry rejected remarks made by De la Espriella on July 26, when he said he would close Colombia's diplomatic mission in Cuba and that his government would not maintain any ties with Havana.
If carried out, the decision would have "not the slightest justification" and would not serve "Colombia's national interests," the Cuban ministry said, accusing the incoming Colombian government of aligning itself with what it called a U.S.-promoted policy of division and confrontation.
The ministry said De la Espriella's remarks ran counter to the historic relations of friendship and brotherhood between Cuba and Colombia, and described bilateral relations as fluid, with progress in trade, cooperation and academic exchanges.
Cuba has always sought to expand and strengthen relations with Colombia, the ministry said, adding that the "hostile and unfounded" move announced by De la Espriella did not reflect the feelings of the Colombian people.
The ministry also said Cuba had supported Colombia's peace process for decades and the search for a political solution to the country's armed conflict. Havana has hosted several rounds of political talks between the Colombian government and armed guerrilla groups.
Cuba will honor its commitments to Colombian medical students studying on the island under the 2016 peace accords signed in Havana, the ministry said.
De la Espriella, who is set to take office on Aug. 7, has announced a review of Colombia's diplomatic network, including the closure of 14 embassies and the severing of diplomatic ties with Nicaragua and Cuba. ■
