Cuba commends the new Global Development Initiative proposed by China

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said that the China-proposed Global Development Initiative has brought about a new model of cooperation for sustainable development on Friday, adding that is more in line with the legitimate interests and aspirations of countries of the Global South.

Diaz-Canel delivered a video speech, addressing the opening ceremony of the Second High-level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development.

Cuba welcomed the GDI early on as it believes the initiative to be highly inclusive and consistent with the need to establish and promote a new just and equitable international order, he said.

Cuba supports the GDI's positioning as a priority issue on the international agenda through its participation in the GDI Group of Friends, the Group of 77 and China and in other multilateral mechanisms, he added.

China should be commended as it stays committed to active international cooperation and its funding and implementation of major socio-economic projects even in the face of contemporary difficulties and challenges, the president said, adding that China's actions have directly contributed to the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

He further expressed Cuba's deep gratitude for China's ongoing support and solidarity which he said is essential to advance projects and introduce technologies that will directly benefit Cuban people.