On 8 June, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla.
Highly commending China's role in rallying international cooperation against COVID-19, Rodriguez expressed appreciation for China's strong support to Cuba and other Latin American countries in their response to the virus. He expressed Cuba's readiness to celebrate with China the important occasion of the 60th anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic relationship, the first of its kind between China and a Latin American country. Emphasizing Cuba's relationship with China as a priority in its diplomacy, Rodriguez expressed commitment to further deepening cooperation with China in various fields. He also outlined Cuba's stance on the peace process in Colombia and expressed objection to the US certifying Cuba as "not cooperating fully" with U.S. counterterrorism efforts.
Wang noted that China and Cuba both fulfilled their due responsibilities in this major test of COVID-19. He expressed confidence in the advancement of socialism in both countries and the ability of both peoples to achieve even more in national development. Describing China-Cuba solidarity against the virus as the best way to commemorate the 60th anniversary, Wang expressed China's readiness to use this opportunity to further develop China-Cuba relations from a new starting point.
Wang recognized Cuba's tremendous efforts and important role in the peace process in Colombia over the years. Describing the Peace Agreement as a hard-won outcome of the concerted efforts of various parties, Wang expressed hope and confidence that by acting out of a strong sense of responsibility to history, Colombia, Cuba and other Latin-American countries will work out a proper solution through diplomatic means. He expressed China's opposition to the political pressuring and economic sanctions by the US against Cuba in the name of counterterrorism, stressing that such acts of bullying will find little support. He expressed China's readiness to always stand with the Cuban people in their just fight to defend their country's sovereignty, uphold its legitimate rights and interests and oppose foreign interference. China is also prepared to do its best to support Cuba's economic and social development.
Rodriguez expressed appreciation for China's position on these issues.