Your Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,

After many hours of uninterrupted and productive work, the time has come to try and summarize, in a brief speech, what, in our opinion, has been an excellent summit.

I would first of all like to thank the many Heads of State and Government and other leaders and officials of our Movement's member nations, whose active participation and valuable contributions have been decisive in the positive outcome of the conference.

We have approved important documents and initiatives. The reaffirmation of the non-aligned countries' stance with respect to the most pressing political, economic and social issues of our times and the regional and sub-regional problems that affect our nations most severely stands out among these initiatives

The ratification of the purposes and principles and the role of the Non-Aligned Movement at the current international juncture gives us a solid framework for action based in those norms which the Movement deems should govern international relations in our efforts to build a fairer and more equitable world.

We have, as always, expressed our solidarity towards the cause of the Palestinian people, who, living under the harsh conditions of permanent aggression, needs it today more than ever.

In brief, the positions and initiatives we have considered and approved confirm the identity, raison d’etre and validity of the Non-Aligned Movement and will allow us to move forward in our common endeavour towards our goal: to revitalize the Movement so that it will play a role in the international arena that is in keeping not only with its current membership of 118 countries but also our history of battles in the name of the loftiest causes.

The future of the non-aligned countries is imperilled by the ever more pressing challenges posed by the current international situation. The use of force, threats, coercion and the violation of the principles of international law are ever present. Underdevelopment, poverty, marginalisation, hunger, illiteracy, the spread of preventable diseases, the deterioration of the environment and the squandering of the planet's resources are persistent evils.

What became evident in our debates is that, if it was necessary and possible to create the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries more than four decades ago, today its further strengthening is more necessary than ever.

The fact that an atmosphere of understanding prevailed during this Summit and that we were able to reach solid consensuses, even in the most complex issues, clearly shows that we have decided to give priority to that which unites us, in order to face, together, the effects of the economic and political order imposed upon us by the powerful, an order which is not only profoundly unfair but also unsustainable.

Cuba is aware that it will have greater responsibilities from this moment on, having accepted the honour, which you have conferred upon us, of presiding over the Movement at a very difficult time.

As the holder of the Presidency, Cuba shall work for an inclusive and representative Movement, to advance towards a common agenda, in defense of our collective interests.

Our actions will always be based on the principle of solidarity, one of the cornerstones of the Non-Aligned Movement, and we shall never forget that in this globalised world, what affects a few today can be used against many tomorrow.

Two other important international meetings, the Summit of the Group of 15 and the Summit of Land-Locked Developing Countries, were held this past 14 September, parallel this Summit Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement.

We commend their participants for the excellent results obtained and we thank them for maintaining close ties to the Movement, as, in essence, we all defend common principles and goals, our struggle for the advancement of our peoples in particular.

This 14th Non-Aligned Summit, the success of which fills us with happiness and satisfaction, has been a grand experience for us. Its excellent results are owed to your collective work and to the cooperation among all delegations. This feels us with deep satisfaction and encourages us to continue down the road paved by the documents adopted.

On behalf of the people and the government of Cuba and, particularly, on behalf of President Fidel Castro, I want to express our sincerest gratitude for the support you have given to the development of the Conference and for your valuable contribution to its success.

We are convinced that, in the coming months and years, the documents and decisions adopted here will enable the Movement to have a decisive influence in the debate and solution of the main challenges that face humanity and, in particular, the people of the South.

I declare the 14th Summit Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement closed.

Thank you very much.

(Cubanoal) 16-09-2006