Lazo, also president of the Cuban Council of State, highlighted the relationship of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, “a historical link that began 177 years ago with the arrival of the first Chinese to the Caribbean nation.”

Mr. Wang Hongzhuan, Secretary General of the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation, granted Lazo the “Ambassador of Peace” medal.

In his address, the Chinese representative highlighted the friendship and the historical and cultural connections between the two nations.

“As an official partner of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), we hope to promote cultural diplomacy and peace projects with Cuba, within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in favor of regional security, national dignity, and cooperation in several fields such as economy, society, and media,” he stressed.

He also called for protecting the island nation’s intangible heritage so that this special relationship may last for future generations.

Caridad Diego, head of the Office of Attention to Religious Affairs at the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and president of the Cuba-China Parliamentary Friendship Group, stated that bilateral relations have grown in various ways this year.

During the last day of his agenda in China, Esteban Lazo also exchanged views with the Cubans from the State Mission in this capital on the socio-economic situation of the Caribbean nation and other issues.

The Cuban delegation previously visited Vietnam and Laos, as part of their Asian tour.

jrr/iff/kmg/idm