The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, today emphasised the firm support for Cuba and the Asian giant’s decision to stand by the island in the defence of safeguarding its sovereignty and national security.

Wang Yi held a meeting here with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, special envoy of the Communist Party (PCC) and Government of Cuba.

«Currently, the situation in Latin America is undergoing complex and profound changes,» said the Chinese diplomatic chief and reaffirmed Beijing’s resolute opposition to «the unjust interference of external forces in Cuba’s affairs.»

He also emphasised that China firmly opposes any deprivation of the Cuban people’s right to self-determination and development.

Wang Yi said the Asian giant is a defender of justice as part of Chinese diplomacy.

«We attach great importance to and take very seriously the legitimate aspirations of our Cuban friends. We stand united with Cuba to continue consolidating and developing our friendly relations,» he noted.

Wang Yi extolled the tenacious struggle and courage of the Cuban people in their defiance of oppression, as well as the international respect earned by the island.

For his part, the Cuban Foreign Minister highlighted that socialist China is consolidating itself as a bulwark of peace and multilateralism and represents a factor of stability, balance and opportunity at a global level.

He emphasised that this Asian country «is a hope for the Global South, particularly for Latin America and the Caribbean, as a great open and inclusive country that has the will to share the opportunities afforded by its extraordinary development.»

Rodríguez underlined the honour it represents for Cuba to be the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish ties with China and also the first to establish a community of shared future in the bilateral order.

He also noted that high-level consensuses are the fundamental strategic axis for the development of bilateral relations, which have allowed «a strengthening of strategic communication, political guidance and a notable impulse to the bilateral agenda and the search for joint and viable solutions.»