In a message on his Twitter account, Diaz-Canel reaffirmed the Cuban people’s admiration for the Chinese leader and politician.

“Dear President Xi Jinping, receive our congratulations on your birthday. The Cuban people, who admire you and appreciate your permanent solidarity, send you a big hug,” he noted.

On November 15, 2012, Xi was appointed General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and declared that his main goals would be to strengthen the nation, raise people’s living standards and stamp out corruption at various governmental levels.

A year later, on March 14, 2013, after the confirmation of the National People’s Congress of China, he assumed the presidency of the People’s Republic of China.

Cuba and China established diplomatic relations on September 28, 1960, which have been distinguished by solidarity and cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

jg/mem/yaa