In an interview in Havana on July 31, 2010, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said China-Cuba friendship has been deeply rooted in the hearts of both peoples and bilateral relations enjoy huge potential for development.
Noting that Cuba was the first Latin American country to establish diplomatic ties with China, Yang said that the China-Cuba relations, characterized by friendly cooperation of mutual benefits, have stood various tests during the past five decades despite the constant changes of the volatile international situation. Meanwhile, recent years have seen the two countries gain mounting momentum in the development of their relations. China and Cuba are "good comrades, good friends and good partners," said the Chinese foreign minister. The two peoples are very friendly to each other and are ready to conduct more exchanges. The foundation for cooperation is very strong in fields of culture, education and health, said Yang.
Yang said that in the first half of this year, the bilateral trade volume exceeded US$ 900 million, up 34.45%. Meanwhile, Yang said the two countries have a lot of opportunities for cooperation in trade and investment, especially in energy, mechanical and electronical equipment, and mineral products.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Cuba diplomatic relations, which is a new beginning of bilateral ties, Yang said, adding that both sides should seize this opportunity to promote bilateral exchange and cooperation in various fields.
Yang expressed satisfaction over the smooth operation of the Confucius Institute at Havana University and a jointly-financed ophthalmic hospital. He also called for more frequent exchanges between the young people of the two countries.
At the invitation of his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez, Yang paid a visit to Cuba from July 30 to August 1, his first official visit to the country as China's foreign minister. The trip, Yang said, is aimed at exchanging broad and in-depth views with Rodriguez on ways to further enhance bilateral cooperative relations of mutual benefit and friendship and cooperation in international and regional affairs.