China’s Ambassador to Cuba Ma Hui Speaks to CGTN America

On June 8, China’s Ambassador to Cuba, Ma Hui, gave an exclusive interview to Luis Chirino, CGTN’s Correspondent in Havana.

The Ambassador spoke of his arrival in Havana at the height of the global pandemic when the situation was extremely challenging for Cuba. US sanctions had blocked ventilators, much-needed medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment during COVID. At that time, at the request of the Cuban government, the Chinese government helped support the island.

This humanitarian act from one nation to another “reflects the deep friendship between China and Cuba,” the Ambassador said.

Since those times, China has provided much assistance to Cuba in the way of of rice, and basic aid supplies.

In the interview, the ambassador shared the news of the relaunch of direct flights from Beijing to Havana with Cuba granting Chinese citizens visa-free status for up to 90 days.

Ambassador Ma Hui also shared details on the growth of China-Cuba cooperation and economic development, including Cuba joining China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2018, later signing the “Belt and Road Energy Partnership” (BREP) in 2021.

Over the years, the two nations have shared multiple projects in biopharmaceuticals and green energy. China and Cuba have been actively promoting further cooperation and trade, the Ambassador said.

The Ambassador added that under the Belt and Road Initiative, there have been people to people exchanges–in culture and local delegation visits, as well as language training.

He also said that relations between China and Cuba “have become a very good example of solidarity and cooperation between socialist countries as both our countries are a good example of developing countries helping each other naturally. Because both Cuba and China are Communist led by, respectively, a Communist party, we have common ideals and beliefs. These common ideals and beliefs actually bring us together because, obviously, we share similar ideology and many common beliefs. So the special relationship of these party-to-party relations actually constitute the cornerstone of the special friendly relationship between China and Cuba.”

The Ambassador also shared his experiences whilst in Cuba, meeting with many communities and Cuban people during his posting.

He predicted a brighter and greater future between China and Cuba.

Visit CGTN America to watch Ambassador Ma Hui’s interview here.