Xi Jinping calls for deep, substantial China-Cuba cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for deep and substantial China-Cuba cooperation in meeting with Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz in Beijing.

As good friends, partners and brothers, China and Cuba support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests, and maintain close cooperation in international and regional affairs, Xi said.

China views and develops the friendly relations between the two parties and two countries from a strategic and overall perspective, Xi said, expressing his willingness to work with Cuba to continue to deepen political mutual trust and strategic coordination, as well as carry out theoretical discussions and experience exchanges in party and state governance.

China will continue to firmly support the Cuban people in opposing foreign interference and blockade, and safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity, he said.

Noting that he announced eight major steps to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation during the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, Xi said China welcomes Cuba to tap cooperation potential in areas such as agriculture, tourism, health, technology and communications, to promote deep and substantial China-Cuba cooperation.

Xi expressed his hope that Cuba will continue to make good use of important platforms such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE) to push more specialty products to enter the Chinese market.

Noting that Cuba successfully hosted the Summit of the Group of 77 (G77) and China in September, making important contributions to advancing unity and cooperation among developing countries, Xi vowed to work with Cuba to continue to safeguard the sovereignty, security and development interests of developing countries.

Marrero, for his part, said he is glad to attend the sixth CIIE, adding that he has a deeper understanding of China's great achievements in development through the visit.

China has provided Cuba with sincere assistance for a long term, which is of great significance to Cuba in overcoming difficulties and developing its socialist cause, he said, pledging to further strengthen unity and cooperation with China, uphold mutual support and advance their respective socialist causes to better benefit the two peoples.

Cuba is willing to work with China to jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative with high quality, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, maintain close communication and cooperation in international and regional affairs, as well as oppose hegemonic and bullying practices to safeguard international fairness and justice, he added.

(Cover: Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz in Beijing, China, November 6, 2023. /Xinhua)