Chinese official begins visit to Cuba

The ongoing economic reforms in Cuba are intended to “develop and fortify” socialism, said the deputy chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National Assembly, Chen Changzhi, beginning an official visit to Havana.

“Whatever the reforms and development are, we must stick firmly to the socialist road, that will never change,” Chen said Thursday (Jan. 16), after meeting with the chairman of the Cuban National Assembly, Esteban Lazo.

Chen later met with Miguel Díaz-Canel, first vice president of the Council of State, and Ricardo Cabrisas, vice president of the Council of Ministers.

“We support the Cuban side for following the socialist road and developing and fortifying socialism,” Chen added, according to the French news agency AFP.

“In recent years [our relations] have entered a stage of accelerated development. Both countries maintain frequent contacts of different natures and our political trust is constantly consolidated,” the Chinese visitor said. “In the future, we are going to promote even more new advances in our cooperation.”

The official reports did not specify the reason for Chen’s visit or provide an itinerary for his stay in Cuba. The reports said that Chen and entourage will visit “sites of socio-economic and cultural interest” and will meet “with the highest Cuban authorities.”