Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel praised China's role in preserving historical memory and advancing global cooperation during an exclusive interview with CMG's He Yanke, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Díaz-Canel, also First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee, emphasized the "deep friendship and mutual respect" underpinning bilateral ties during his visit to China for the SCO Tianjin Summit and commemorations marking the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
"Our relationship has always been a priority," Díaz-Canel stated, highlighting Cuba's status as the first Latin American country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. He reaffirmed support for President Xi Jinping's Global Governance Initiative (GGI), calling it a "framework for equitable international cooperation."
The Cuban leader also addressed economic challenges, questioning the persistence of the U.S. embargo against Cuba despite widespread international opposition. He contrasted this with China's approach, noting growing collaboration in biotechnology, renewable energy, and infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Reflecting on historical ties, Díaz-Canel acknowledged the contributions of the Chinese community in Cuba, stating: "Their integration into Cuban society is a living example of cross-cultural solidarity." The interview concluded with his hopes for strengthened multilateralism through platforms like the SCO.
