U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks to Accompany President Obama on Cuba Visit, Hails Increased Engagement with Cuba

U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks to Accompany President Obama on Cuba Visit, Hails Increased Engagement with Cuba

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Gregory Meeks released the following statement regarding his travel with President Obama to Cuba:

“I am honored to accompany President Obama on his first visit to Cuba as President. This visit—the first time a sitting American President has traveled to Cuba in over ninety years—marks a turning point in our relationship with Cuba. This momentous development is not only in the national interest of the United States, but also benefits the region and the hemisphere as a whole. For too long, we have been out of step with our partners in the region and our allies around the world on this issue. President Obama’s visit, and his invitation of a Congressional delegation to accompany him, demonstrates the Administration’s commitment to making the United States a leader on regional policy toward Cuba.

"Coming from New York City, in a region that is home to the second-largest population center of Cuban-Americans in the United States, I know that this trip also demonstrates the potential a strong relationship between the United States and Cuba holds for our communities back home. A burgeoning relationship with Cuba will generate opportunities for American businesses and workers eager to invest in the country, leading to job creation and growth in both countries. The United States and Cuba will also benefit from meaningful social and cultural exchange, as students, artists, musicians, and athletes travel from one country to the other. I very much look forward to accompanying President Obama on his visit to Cuba, and look forward to seeing this bilateral relationship develop going forward.”

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