President Xi calls on China, Cuba to elevate ties to a higher level

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, met with Miguel Diaz-Canel, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuban president, in Beijing on Thursday.

Diaz-Canel is in China for the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

As this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba, the two sides should seize this opportunity to elevate bilateral ties to a higher level and bring more benefits to the two peoples, Xi said.

The two countries should adhere to sincere mutual assistance and systematically promote development cooperation, Xi said, adding that China stands ready to continue providing Cuba with assistance and support within its capacity.

Xi urged both sides to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative effectively and work together to better build the International Organization for Mediation to make greater contributions to world peace and development.

China will continue to firmly support Cuba’s just struggle against interference and blockade, Xi said.

The two parties and two countries enjoy close relations and an unbreakable bond of friendship, Diaz-Canel said.

He emphasized that Cuba looks forward to further strengthening all-round cooperation and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and stands ready to provide a more favorable business environment for Chinese enterprises.

The two sides issued a joint statement on accelerating the building of the China-Cuba community with a shared future and signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents.