Díaz-Canel in China. Image: Twitter of the Presidency
Beijing, November 25 (RHC)-- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has emphasized the high priority and attention given to the development of close, friendly and cooperative ties with China.
At the beginning of the official talks with his host counterpart, Xi Jinping, the Caribbean leader thanked him for the invitation to make the current visit and conveyed the cordial greetings of Army General Raul Castro.
He indicated that he is the first Latin American and Caribbean leader to travel here after the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), in which Xi was re-elected General Secretary for a third term.
Díaz-Canel also referred to Cuba's difficult economic situation due to the intensification of the economic, financial and commercial blockade by the United States and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, but expressed his conviction that the island will overcome and highlighted the support of friends such as China.
He recalled that this day coincides with the sixth anniversary of the death of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, who highlighted Xi's capacity and firmness as a revolutionary leader.
"We value very positively the theoretical and practical contributions of his leadership at the head of the Central Committee of the Party (Communist Party of China) in the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which we consider a real stimulus for all progressive forces," he added.
Meanwhile, Xi said that Sino-Cuban ties became an example of solidarity and cooperation among socialist countries and also of sincere support among developing states.
"We are at a new historic starting point," he remarked, recalling that Cuba was the first nation in the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic relations with the new China. He advocated strengthening coordination and agreement in international affairs, with the aim of advancing together in the construction of socialism with its own characteristics and deepening bilateral relations in the new era.
He reiterated Beijing's willingness to continue working with Havana to deepen mutual political trust and broaden practical cooperation, as well as to support each other on issues of importance to the interests of both sides.
The talks followed this morning's official reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where Xi received the Cuban dignitary with the honors befitting his high investiture.
In this regard, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said that the meeting deepened the historic ties of friendship, cooperation and solidarity between the two countries.
In the afternoon, Díaz-Canel will also meet with Li Zhanshu, President of the National People's Congress, and with Premier Li Keqiang.
