"We have special relations with Venezuela. We will continue supporting it amid attempts to destabilize the legitimate government of President [Nicolas] Maduro," Castro said Saturday in a speech before the Cuban parliament and a group of favored guests.
"We renounce attempts to impose sanctions on this brotherly nation," the Cuban president added.
On Thursday, US President Barack Obama signed a bill that authorizes him to impose sanctions on Venezuela's current and former government officials for abusing the rights of protesters, who participated in anti-government rallies earlier this year.
In his Saturday speech, Castro said Cuba is ready to engage in a mutually respectful dialogue with the United States, but will not abandon its ideas. The Cuban leader added that there are major differences between US and Havana's views on sovereignty, democracy and international relations.
