On the afternoon of November 6, 2023, President Xi Jinping met with Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Cuba are good friends, good comrades, and good brothers. Under the guidance and nurturing of the successive leaders of China and Cuba, the two countries have forged ahead hand in hand on the path of building socialism with their own characteristics, supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, and maintained close collaboration on international and regional issues, thus forging an impregnable friendship of trust and good faith. China views and develops the special friendly relations between the two parties and two countries from a strategic and overall perspective, and stays committed to the  policy of upholding long-term friendship with Cuba. China is ready to work with Cuba to continuously deepen political mutual trust and strategic coordination, and engage in theoretical discussions and experience sharing on party and state governance. China will continue to firmly support the Cuban people in opposing foreign interference and blockades and safeguarding state sovereignty and national dignity.

Stressing the eight major steps he announced at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to support the joint pursuit of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Xi Jinping said Cuba is welcome to synergize with those steps, fully tap cooperation potential, especially in such fields as agriculture, tourism, health, science and technology, and information and communications, and to deepen and flesh out bilateral cooperation. He expressed the hope that Cuba will continue to make good use of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and other important platforms to bring more of its specialties to the Chinese market. Cuba successfully hosted the Summit of the Group of 77 and China in September this year, making important contributions to promoting solidarity and cooperation among developing countries. China is ready to work with Cuba to continue to jointly safeguard the sovereignty, security and development interests of developing countries.

Manuel Marrero Cruz conveyed cordial greetings from Comrade Raul Castro Ruz and President Miguel Díaz-Canel to President Xi Jinping, and expressed his great pleasure to attend the sixth CIIE in China. He said through this visit, he has learned more deeply about the great achievements China has made in its development and the core leading role the Communist Party of China has played in the process of China's revolution and development. He said President Xi Jinping's important thoughts on state governance are an important source of inspiration and reference for Cuba and the world. Over the years, China has provided Cuba with a large amount of sincere assistance, which is of great significance for Cuba to overcome difficulties and develop the socialist cause. Cuba hopes to work with China to further strengthen solidarity and cooperation, firmly support each other, advance with the times to develop their respective socialist causes, and deliver more benefits to the two peoples. Cuba is ready to work with China to pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, maintain close communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, oppose hegemony and bullying, and safeguard international fairness and justice.

Wang Yi was present at the meeting.