Chongqing - From March 16 to 19, the Cuban Ambassador to China, Alberto Blanco Silva, spearheaded a delegation's visit to the vibrant city of Chongqing. On March 19, Hu Henghua, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee and Mayor of Chongqing Municipal People's Government welcomed Ambassador Blanco and his delegation. The presence of Deputy Mayor Zhang Guozhi added to the significance of the meeting.

The visit to Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology. (Photo/The Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government)

Representing the spirit of Chongqing, Hu Henghua extended a hearty welcome to Ambassador Blanco's delegation. He articulated the profound friendship and brotherhood shared between China and Cuba, a bond further strengthened under the visionary leadership of both nations' heads of state. In this new era, the unique friendship between the two countries is deepening. The city is at the forefront of executing pivotal national strategies such as the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, and the Yangtze River Economic Belt's high-quality development, accelerating Chongqing's modernization journey. Eager to fortify bilateral relations, Chongqing is keen on enhancing exchanges across various levels with Cuba and fostering collaborations in trade, automobile and motorcycle manufacturing, biomedicine, culture, and art, aiming for a mutually prosperous future.

The Cuban Ambassador's delegation visited the Chongqing Ballet Theater. (Photo/The Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government)

Ambassador Blanco shared insights into Cuba's economic and social progress, noting the remarkable transformation of Chongqing, which he observed firsthand after many years. He reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to actualize the vital agreements forged by the nations' leaders, aspiring to broaden cooperation with Chongqing in industrial, new energy, logistics, and cultural arenas. Cuba's invitation to Chongqing businesses to invest in its Special Economic Zone marks a promising avenue for renewed friendship and cooperative ventures.

Discussion and exchange with Sichuan International Studies University. (Photo/The Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government)

During his stay, Ambassador Blanco and his delegation delved into productive discussions with the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform, understanding Chongqing's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and its industrial advancements. The delegation's visits to the Chang'an Auto Chongqing Liangjiang Factory, Chongqing Garden Expo Park, Chongqing Ballet Theater, Sichuan International Studies University, and Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology underscored their intent to bolster bilateral ties in trade, culture, education, and healthcare. Furthermore, their excursions to the Residence of Zhou Enlai and Guiyuan Garden highlighted their interest in Chongqing's rich historical and cultural legacy and the conservation efforts for the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wang Wen, the Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government, along with Deputy Director Zhou Yi and officials from the Americas and Oceania Division, participated in the related activities.

Source: Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government