Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed the country’s long-term friendship with Cuba, “no matter how the international situation may change,” during his in-person meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday.
“China’s determination to support Cuba in pursuing socialism will not change. China’s will to work with Cuba to safeguard international fairness and justice and oppose hegemony and power politics will not change,” Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said during their talk.
The visit this time by Diaz-Canel – who is also the first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba – marks the first China trip made by a Latin American and Caribbean head of state since the 20th National Congress of the CPC, which was held last month.
This fully demonstrates the special friendship between the two countries and parties, Xi pointed out.
Cuba is the first country in the Western Hemisphere that established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, Xi recalled, adding that the bilateral ties between the two countries have become an example of solidarity and cooperation between socialist countries, as well as an example of sincere mutual assistance between developing countries.
After presenting the key outcomes of the 20th CPC National Congress, Xi stressed that the CPC will unite and lead the Chinese people to advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization.
Xi also added that China will continue to firmly support Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and opposing external interference and blockade, adding that China is ready to work with Cuba to implement the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative and jointly promote world peace and development.
For his part, Diaz-Canel first stressed that developing ties with China is one of important diplomatic principles of Cuba.
He said Cuba firmly supports the one-China principle and supports the joint construction of Belt and Road Initiative with high quality. He also expressed the country’s support to the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative.
