CIDCA vice-chairman meets with ambassador of Cuba to China

Zhao Fengtao, vice-chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), met with Carlos Miguel Pereira, ambassador of Cuba to China, on Oct 12 regarding China's emergency humanitarian assistance to Cuba.

Noting that Hurricane Ian has caused severe economic losses to the Cuban government and people, Zhao said that the Chinese government is highly concerned and has decided to provide emergency cash assistance for Cuba's disaster relief and post-disaster reconstruction. He said that China appreciates Cuba's strong support on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, and human rights, as well as the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI) proposed by China. China cherishes its friendship with Cuba and will stand by Cuba to jointly fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the hurricane disaster and tackle challenges brought about by profound international changes, he added.

Pereira applauded China's strong support to Cuba in recent years in areas including pandemic response and people's livelihoods. He voiced appreciation for China's emergency cash assistance on behalf of the Cuban government, saying it was much needed and reflected the profound friendship between the governments and people of the two countries.

Cuba is willing to strengthen cooperation with China under the mechanisms, including the Group of Friends of the GDI, to promote and implement cooperation projects in various areas, said Pereira. He also wished a success of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

The two sides also held an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral cooperation projects. After the meeting, Zhao presented some books to the Cuban ambassador as gifts, which included the CIDCA's new book Rose Stories Along the Belt and Road.