The first flight to resume air links between Cuba and China arrived in Havana on Friday, with a stopover in Spain, which is expected to enhance connectivity and facilitate exchanges between the two countries.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner of Air China was received at the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana with the traditional water salute.
Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, Minister of Tourism Juan Carlos Garcia Granda, Minister of Transportation Adel Onofre Yzquierdo Rodriguez, and Chinese Ambassador to Cuba Ma Hui greeted the crew at the airport, and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Cuban Minister of Tourism Garcia stated that Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel has signed a presidential decree and issued a communique, introducing a visa-free policy for Chinese citizens who enter and transit Cuba with ordinary passports and stay no more than 90 days.
Ambassador Ma stated that the restoration of China-Cuba flights is not only a breakthrough, but also a new starting point. Starting with two flights per week, it is hoped that the airline frequency will increase as passenger traffic between the two countries grows.
There were no direct flights from China to Cuba until Air China resumed the Beijing-Madrid-Havana route, the only direct one between China and Cuba.
The air links were suspended during the COVID-19 outbreak.
1st Beijing-Madrid-Havana flight arrives in Cuba
1st Beijing-Madrid-Havana flight arrives in Cuba
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
