Beijing, February 4th—Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Special Envoy of Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and the government of Cuba, Member of the Political Bureau of the PCC Central Committee and Cuban Foreign Minister. 

Liu said, both China and Cuba are socialist countries under the communist party leadership. Though located on different continents, the two countries share a close bond. Under the strategic guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping and First Secretary Miguel Diaz-Canel, the special friendly relations between China and Cuba have maintained high-level development and are constantly being enriched with new connotations. Last year, the two parties engaged in close exchanges to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, effectively guiding the comprehensive and in-depth development of bilateral relations. The CPC is willing to continue to deepen inter-party relations with the PCC, maintain the good momentum of high-level exchanges, conduct in-depth experience exchanges and mutual learning in party building and state governance, strengthen cooperation in areas such as cadre training, enhance party building and governance capacity building of both parties, and promote the building of a China-Cuba community with a shared future. China firmly supports Cuba in following a socialist path, supports Cuba in opposing foreign interference and blockade, and firmly believes that under the strong leadership of the PCC Central Committee, the Cuban people will overcome all kinds of difficulties and obstacles on the road ahead and continuously advance the cause of socialist construction. 

Rodriguez said, currently, guided by the important consensus reached between First Secretary Miguel Diaz-Canel and General Secretary Xi Jinping, the two parties and countries are continuously advancing exchanges at all levels and cooperation in various fields. The PCC and Cuban government have always placed the development of relations with China as a top priority, firmly supporting China's position on issues concerning its core interests, such as the Taiwan question, and supporting the series of global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping. He expressed gratitude to the Chinese comrades for extending a helping hand to Cuba during its difficult times. Faced with blockade and interference, Cuba remains determined to and confident in defending its sovereignty, independence, and socialist cause. The relations between the two parties are the cornerstone of the bilateral relations. The PCC is willing to, together with the CPC, maintain close high-level exchanges, deepen experience exchanges in state governance and administration, and promote pragmatic cooperation in various fields. 

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern. 

Ma Hui, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, was present.