Chinese FM meets Cuban, Portuguese counterparts in New York

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel in separate meetings on Wednesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is in New York to preside over a high-level UN Security Council meeting on "upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centered international system."

China to uphold justice, speak up for Cuba

While meeting with Rodriguez, Wang said China will continue to uphold justice and speak up for Cuba, support the just cause of the Cuban people, and help with Cuba's economic and livelihood development.

Wang welcomed Rodriguez's attendance at Tuesday's Security Council meeting, noting that its theme reflects the shared aspirations of all parties and has garnered widespread support. To achieve the meeting's objectives, he added, it is essential to uphold respect for the sovereignty and independence of each nation and oppose all forms of power politics and bullying.

Rodriguez expressed gratitude to China for inviting Cuba to participate in the high-level Security Council meeting.

Noting that the world today is characterized by turbulence and disorder, he said only China has the capacity to convene such a meeting, forging consensus in the international community and safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South.

Cuba is currently faced with the most difficult period since its revolution, stemming from the blockade and sanctions imposed on it by the United States, he noted.

He expressed appreciation for China's firm support in safeguarding Cuba's sovereignty and security, thanking China for its assistance and speaking up for Cuba during difficult times.

China's help fully demonstrates the special friendship between the two nations, he added.

Cuba will keep supporting China's rightful positions on issues concerning Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong, and stands ready to strengthen strategic communication and coordination with China to advance their respective socialist causes and to uphold international fairness and justice, he said.

Carrying forward China-Portugal friendship

In a separate meeting with Rangel, Wang expressed hope that Portugal would play an active role in promoting China-EU relations.

China has always regarded the EU as an important pole in a multipolar world and supports Europe in achieving strategic autonomy, Wang said, adding that China and Europe are fully capable of helping each other succeed for mutual benefit.

Wang said China stands ready to work with Portugal to carry forward their traditional friendship, strengthen cooperation in new energy, and deepen collaboration in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, so as to support the development and revitalization of both sides.

Rangel said Portugal-China relations enjoy good momentum of development with bright prospects. Portugal firmly adheres to the one-China policy and will reaffirm this clear stance on both bilateral and multilateral occasions.

He added that Portugal opposes protectionism, supports free trade, and is willing to promote the stable and healthy development of EU-China relations.

Calling the Security Council meeting convened by China timely, Rangel said that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states are rooted in the multilateral system and enshrined in international law, and support for the UN serves the common interests of Portugal, China and all other countries.

(With input from Xinhua)