Tourists aboard the first flight between China and Cuba since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic were greeted with a grand water tribute as they arrived in their Air China-operated Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana on Friday.
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 were present at the airport to greet the crew and participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
As a gesture of hospitality, tourists were presented with gifts such as straw hats and flowers upon their arrival.
"Although it was a long flight, I felt quite excited," said a Chinese tourist.
"I didn't expect for the flight to be received with a grand water salute or that our group would be greeted with such high honor," said another tourist.
Currently, there are two flights per week on the China-Cuba route, with a stopover in Madrid, Spain.
Minister of Tourism Juan Carlos Garcia Granda 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 for no more than 90 days.
Local authorities expect the resumption of flights to boost tourism, strengthen connectivity and foster cultural exchanges between China and Cuba.
"We are very grateful to the Chinese people. We also believe that the arrival of this first flight will usher us into a new era," said Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz.
Warm welcome for tourists as 1st Beijing-Havana flight since COVID 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
