On September 22, 2022, Special Representative Qiu Xiaoqi of the Chinese Government on Latin American Affairs attended the reception marking the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba, which was held by the Cuban Embassy in China.

In his speech, Special Representative Qiu Xiaoqi, on behalf of the Chinese government, extended warm congratulations on the 62nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba. Qiu Xiaoqi said that 62 years ago, Cuba was the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, opening a new chapter in China-Cuba relations and starting a new era in China-Latin America relations. China and Cuba are good friends going forward hand in hand, good partners sharing weal and woe and good brothers sharing similar ideals and beliefs. Since China and Cuba established diplomatic relations 62 years ago, in the face of changing international dynamics, both sides have worked hand in hand on the path of building socialism with respective characteristics, extended mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests and closely cooperated on international and regional issues. By doing so, the two countries set an example for sincere mutual assistance between China and Latin American countries and for solidarity and cooperation between developing countries. Last year, President Xi Jinping held two phone conversations with President Miguel Diaz-Canel, which draw up a blueprint and charted the course for the relationship between the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and the Communist Party of China (CPC) and between the two countries in the new era.

Qiu Xiaoqi pointed out that the PCC successfully held the Fourth Plenary Session of the Eighth PCC Central Committee in the first half of the year and the CPC will convene its 20th National Congress next month. Both countries will embark on a new great journey of building socialism in line with respective national realities. Standing at a new historical starting point, China is willing to work with Cuba to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state well and stay companions building socialism, good partners pursuing common development, good examples joining hands to fight the pandemic and good comrades-in-arms conducting strategic cooperation, strengthen exchanges at all levels and cooperation in various fields, continue to deepen the traditional friendship between the two countries and bring benefits to the two countries and two peoples.

In his speech, Cuban Ambassador to China Carlos Miguel Pereira said that 62 years ago, the Cuban government made a political decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, making Cuba the first Latin American and Caribbean country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 62 years ago, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, Cuba and China have made notable progress in the special friendly relationship and continuously deepened the traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, setting a good example of state-to-state relations featuring mutual respect, solidarity and coordination. Cuba expressed sincere gratitude for China's firm support for Cuba in safeguarding sovereignty and opposing external interference and blockade. It also expressed sincere appreciation to China for immediately sending sympathy and providing assistance to Cuba over the explosion at the Hotel Saratoga and explosions at a fuel storage facility in Matanzas. Cuba is ready to will work with China to increase mutual political trust, enhance strategic cooperation, promote the constant development of Cuba-China relations and jointly uphold international fairness and justice. On behalf of Cuba, Pereira wishes the 20th National Congress of the CPC a complete success.

Before the reception, Special Representative Qiu Xiaoqi made a courtesy call with Ambassador Pereira and the two sides exchanged views on China-Cuba relations and other issues.