This file photo dated May 29, 2019 shows State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez after signing a bilateral political consultation plan in Beijing. (ZOU HONG / CHINA DAILY)
NEW YORK – Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez here Monday, hailing the bilateral ties between Beijing and Havana while stressing the need for a stronger alignment of the two countries' development strategies.
The meeting between the two diplomats came as they were both in New York attending the ongoing 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Wang told Rodriguez that China and Cuba are good friends, good comrades and good brothers who trust each other and share a common destiny.
Wang thanked the Cuban side for firmly supporting China in defending its core interests, saying China, likewise, also firmly supports Cuba in defending its sovereign independence, and firmly supports Cuba's faster development and revitalization
Noting that the heads of state of the two countries have forged good friendship and maintained close communication, Wang said China is willing to work with Cuba to deepen the two countries' unity and cooperation, and consolidate and develop their special friendly relationship under the guidance of the consensus between the two leaders.
Wang thanked the Cuban side for firmly supporting China in defending its core interests, saying China, likewise, also firmly supports Cuba in defending its sovereign independence, and firmly supports Cuba's faster development and revitalization. China is convinced that Cuba will continually make new and greater achievements along the path of building socialism.
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China and Cuba should further align their development strategies, Wang said, suggesting that the two countries steadily push forward cooperation related to pushing forward the Belt and Road Initiative, expand cooperation in such fields as agriculture, tourism and renewable energy, and turn the high-level political mutual trust between the two countries into more results in practical cooperation.
Rodriguez, for his part, wishes the forthcoming 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China a full success. He thanked the Chinese side for the enduring support for Cuba's just cause, especially the solidarity shown and help provided when Cuba was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters.
Cuba, the foreign minister said, is pleased with the deep friendship and political mutual trust that have been forged between the two countries' leaders. Havana supports the series of important proposals from the Chinese side, including the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, he added.
Cuba will continue to firmly abide by the one-China principle and unwaveringly support China's stance on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang, Rodriguez said, adding that his country opposes any and all politically motivated anti-China moves.
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Wang said the international situation right now is full of crises and chaos, but good prevails evil, unity is strength, and persistence leads to victory. China has full confidence in the bright prospect ahead for the progress of human society, and is willing to join hands with Cuba and other developing countries in strengthening solidarity and collaboration, upholding equality and justice, jointly tackling global challenges, and promoting common development and prosperity.
Nicaragua
Wang also met here with Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada on Monday, during which both sides agreed to seize the opportunity presented by the one-year anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries and take the bilateral ties to a new level.
Wang said Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega have drawn a blueprint for the bilateral relations since the two sides resumed diplomatic ties in December last year, which has led to rapid development in the bilateral relations where fruitful early harvests have been achieved.
Wang said Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega have drawn a blueprint for the bilateral relations since the two sides resumed diplomatic ties in December last year, which has led to rapid development in the bilateral relations where fruitful early harvests have been achieved
It is a proven fact that restoring diplomatic ties is in complete accord with the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, Wang said.
China, Wang said, is firmly committed to developing ties with Nicaragua and supporting Nicaragua's effort to defend its sovereignty, independence and national dignity. Noting that Nicaragua's independent choice of development path has the full backing from China, Wang said China will continue to uphold justice on issues related to Nicaragua.
Wang said China appreciates Nicaragua for its unwavering support for the one-China principle, believing that Nicaragua will continue to support China's just stance on issues related to China's core interests.
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The Chinese side, Wang told Moncada, is willing to strengthen cooperation with Nicaragua regarding jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative and synergizing the two countries' respective development strategies. It is expected that political mutual trust between the two countries could translate into momentum for comprehensive cooperation, he added.
Noting that the arrangement for "early harvests" under a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) has been signed by the two sides, Wang expressed the hope that consensus will be reached as soon as possible on a comprehensive FTA, of which the negotiation process has already been initiated.
Wang added that China will continue to lend support to Nicaragua in the Central American country's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wang also told Moncada that the CPC will hold its 20th National Congress next month, adding that the CPC and Nicaragua's ruling Sandinista National Liberation Front have similar governing ideas, and the CPC looks forward to enhancing exchanges of experience in state governance between the two parties.
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Moncada, for his part, said the Nicaraguan side treasures its brotherly friendship with China, and will continue to abide by the one-China principle and firmly support China in its defense of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Nicaragua wishes the 20th CPC National Congress a full success.
Moncada said Nicaragua is pleased to see the signing of the arrangement for "early harvests" under the bilateral FTA, and is looking forward to the further enhancement of experience exchanges on state governance between the two parties and two countries. Nicaragua is willing to deepen cooperation in various fields and develop a sound bilateral relationship with China.
Moncada also stressed the utmost importance of the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative put forward by President Xi, adding that the Nicaraguan side fully supports and is ready to participate in the initiatives, practice multilateralism and contribute to world peace, security and development.