Wang Yi: COVID-19 a Major Test for Countries' Governance Model and Capacity

On 13 April, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla on the phone.

Wang said that in face of the global spread of COVID-19, China and Cuba, as good friends and good comrades, need to strengthen strategic coordination and cooperation. Raúl Castro, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, and President Miguel Díaz-Canel sent messages of sympathies to President Xi Jinping shortly after the outbreak hit China. President Díaz-Canel had a telephone conversation with President Xi expressing support for China's efforts. Cuba also provided donations to China despite its own shortage of supplies, and the Chinese side deeply appreciates all this.

Wang said that facing the grave challenge of the outbreak, the party and government of Cuba have led its people in taking effective measures to contain the outbreak despite various difficulties. China expresses its sincere sympathies and firm support to Cuba. Fully aware of the difficulties facing its Cuban comrades, China has provided the first batch of assistance to Cuba, and will continue to offer more support and help according to its need.

Wang described the outbreak as a major test for countries' governance model and capacity. Under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has fully leveraged its strengths, not only protecting the health and safety of its own people, but also making important contribution to the global efforts against the virus. The outbreak did not crush China. It has instead made China more united, more powerful and more confident in the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It is believed that with solidarity, Cuba will also secure the final victory against the outbreak.

Wang said that China-Cuba relations have withstood tests and set a fine example for China's relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Cuba, which is of great significance for bilateral relations. As the fight against COVID-19 continues, both countries need to firmly defend national sovereignty, dignity and core interests, jointly oppose external interference and bullying, enhance exchanges and cooperation in all fields, and bring the relations between the two parties and countries to a new level.

Rodriguez said that Cuba admires China's important progress in combating COVID-19, highly appreciates China's active efforts and important role in international cooperation against the outbreak, and thanks China for its timely support and help to Cuba's ongoing efforts. As the global situation becomes more challenging, Cuba looks forward to China's continued assistance. Cuba is ready to take the 60th anniversary of its diplomatic ties with China as an opportunity to deepen all-round cooperation, jointly develop socialism and play a constructive role in international affairs.