AMBASSADOR AWARDED Zhang Tuo,

China’s ambassador to Cuba, received on October 13 the highest award granted by the Cuban Government to foreign diplomats, the Friendship Medal, for his efforts to consolidate ties between the two countries.

During his tenure of four years and nine months, the longest of the 17 Chinese ambassadors who have served in the Caribbean country, Zhang helped boost and expand bilateral ties in all fields and strengthen political dialogue between the top leaders of the two nations, said Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez at the awards ceremony.

As a result of the enhancement of bilateral relations at all levels, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Cuba in 2014, and he was followed by Premier Li Keqiang last month.

Both visits witnessed the signing of important agreements in biotechnology, cybersecurity, renewable energy and medical research, among others.

Cuban President Raul Castro paid a visit to China in 2012, and first Vice President Miguel Diaz Canel also visited in both 2013 and 2015.

Zhang thanked the Cuban Government for the award, saying it was a great honor for him to mark the end of his 39-year diplomatic career with the medal.

Zhang, 62, also served as ambassador to Bolivia, Argentina and Venezuela.