Cuba opposes discrimination against Chinese technology companies

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China and Cuba should work with other countries to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and resist unilateralism and protectionism, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez during a meeting in Beijing on Wednesday.

The two countries should continue to support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, said Wang, adding that China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and choosing a socialist path that suits its national situation.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in Beijing, China, May 29, 2019. /Photo via Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

As socialist countries, China and Cuba are both standing at a crucial historical stage in their development and their bilateral relations are at a new starting point, the Chinese foreign minister said, noting that the year 2020 will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties.

Wang said that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 60th anniversary of Cuba's revolution victory.

Cuba was the first nation in the Western hemisphere to forge diplomatic ties with China, he added, noting that China and Cuba are good friends, comrades, and brothers.

This is a proven fact and the relationship has withstood the test of time and international situation changes, he said.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) meets with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in Beijing, China, May 29, 2019. /Photo via Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Cuba's defense of national sovereignty and opposition to foreign interference are just and China will always stand firmly next to Cuban people, said Wang.

China is willing to cooperate with Cuba to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and strengthen exchanges in trade, new energy, agriculture, tourism, bio-pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications, and enhance communication and coordination in international affairs, Wang added.

He called on both countries to further consolidate mutual trust and support, conduct win-win cooperation and enhance exchanges on governance.

China welcomes Cuba's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, he added.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez attend a press conference after a bilateral meeting in Beijing, China, May 29, 2019./ Photo via Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

For his part, Rodriguez said that Cuba is willing to learn from China to update its domestic economic and social model and promote the cause of socialist construction, calling on the two countries to maintain high-level exchanges and political dialogue.

He stressed that Cuba firmly adheres to the one-China policy and opposes any sanctions and discriminatory practices against Chinese technology companies.

They also exchanged views on the Venezuela crisis and reached an important consensus that the Venezuela issue can only be resolved through peaceful and independent ways. China and Cuba will strengthen communication with regional countries and the international community to play a constructive role in the resolution process, they said.

The two sides also signed a plan for bilateral political consultations for the 2020-2022 periods after the meeting.

(Cover: Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez sign a plan for bilateral political consultations for the 2020-2022 periods in Beijing, China, May 29, 2019./ Photo via Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

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