When reviewing the achievements in this period of diplomatic relations, Cuban Ambassador in Beijing Carlos Miguel Pereira told Prensa Latina that there is practically no area of relations that has not experienced a dynamic of fluid growth, supported by a high level of communication.
He said that the Covid-19 pandemic, instead of affecting that level of dialogue, has been an opportunity to strengthen relations in several ways, because the main leaders have spoken on the telephone, exchanged letters, messages and held video conferences in almost all sectors, including between the parties.
The ambassador stressed how the health crisis was a platform to express solidarity and support between both governments, and highlighted that the Chinese experience allowed Cuba to be prepared early on and create its own health protocols.
The diplomat spoke about the setting up of an air bridge that has allowed for the organization of a score of charter flights hired by Cuba to take batches of materials and equipment donated here and also purchased to tackle this deadly disease.
Pereira referred to the beginning of a joint project to produce the Pancorona vaccine to attack several mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes Covid-19.
‘In short, we can say that amid the pandemic, Cuba and China have been an example of how solidarity and cooperation must be the way to defeat this pandemic that affects us all,’ he said.
The ambassador described as an important pillar in relations the dialogue on a number of international issues and the coordination of work in global organizations and forums against campaigns, unilateral measures and sanctions by the United States.
In that sense, Pereira mentions Cuba’s support for China in aspects like the defense of its sovereignty, territorial integrity, condemnation of foreign interference and the recent politicization of the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
For its part, China keeps its invariable support for Cuba in the fight against Washington’s economic, financial and commercial blockade and the July 11 destabilization attempts.
Regarding economic and commercial ties, Pereira noted that there are very important prospects, because China is consolidating its position as Cuba’s second trading partner, second in imports and the main destination of exports of products such as rum, cigars, sugar and coffee, among others.
He mentioned biotechnology as one of the growing sectors because, after 16 years of collaboration, it has had more concrete results and can continue contributing to bilateral trade.
The scientific-technological sector is also making progress through joint programs that are being implemented, and a pavilion will be opened at the JD.com online platform to sell Cuban products in this market.
‘The economic-commercial component in bilateral relations is gaining strength and becoming more prominent, and we expect that, little by little, by working, we will be able to take it to the level of political ties,’ said Pereira when talking about the existing potential in tourism and investments.
Among other issues, the diplomat pointed out that Cuba and China are about to sign a plan of action resulting from a memorandum of understanding penned by both governments to include Cuba in the Strip and Route Initiative, which will become a mega infrastructure and cooperation network.
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