President of Cuban parliament highlights Chinese friendship and solidarity

The President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, Esteban Lazo, today held meetings in Beijing with academics, former diplomats, artists, and other Chinese friends of the solidarity movement.

Lazo emphasized the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries, a historical bond that dates back to 177 years ago when the first Chinese coolies arrived in the largest of the Antilles.

The President of the Cuban Parliament received the "Ambassador of Peace" medal from Wang Hongzhuan, the secretary general of the China Foundation for World Peace.

Wang emphasized the desire of China to promote cultural diplomacy and peace projects with Cuba within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, in favor of regional security, national dignity, and cooperation in various areas such as economy, society, and media.

He also urged the protection of the island's intangible heritage to ensure that this special relationship continues through generations.

Caridad Diego, head of the Office of Attention to Religious Affairs of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and president of the Cuba-China Parliamentary Friendship Group, stated that bilateral ties have grown in many ways this year.

She also referred to the challenges faced by the island, the negative consequences of the US blockade, and Washington's persecution policies.

Diego expressed gratitude to the former ambassadors of China to Cuba, the members of the Ibero-American Chapter of the Association of Returned Students of the West, and the friends and institutions of the economic and business sector of China for their donations and comprehensive aid.

During the final day of his visit, Lazo also met with Cuban members of the state mission in Beijing to discuss Cuba’s socio-economic situation and other matters of interest.

As part of their tour of Asia, the representatives of the Caribbean island previously visited Vietnam and Laos.