During a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in this capital, Xi said that Marrero is the only leader of a Latin American country who was invited to participate in the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE), which shows the importance this nation attaches to bilateral relations.

China and Cuba are “good partners, friends, and brothers.” Under the guidance of successive leaders from the two nations, “the traditional friendship between the two Communist Parties and countries has been developed from generation to generation,” the Chinese president added.

Xi congratulated Cuba for hosting the G77+China Summit and highlighted Cuba’s contributions to deepening cooperation and solidarity among developing countries.

The president wished that this visit could expand bilateral cooperation to new areas.

Marrero, in turn, conveyed fraternal greetings from Army General Raúl Castro and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

The prime minister expressed gratitude for the invitation to attend the CIIE and said Cuba’s participation was a success because the exchanges with entrepreneurs from both nations were achieved, and concrete agreements to benefit both peoples were signed.

Marrero reiterated his condolences for the sudden death of former Premier Li Keqiang and reminded Cuba’s relationship with him.

The Cuban authority met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress, who explained the importance of relations between both nations’ legislative bodies for trade and economic relations.

Before these meetings at the Great Hall of the People, Marrero laid a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square to pay tribute to China’s martyrs.

He also met with Tang Yuxiang, President of Yutong Group, and recalled the company’s historical and fraternal ties with Cuba for almost 20 years.

jrr/iff/jf/idm