BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, opposes unwarranted interference by external forces, and rejects any attempt to deprive the Cuban people of their right to survival and development, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Thursday.

Wang made the remarks during talks with Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, who is the special envoy of the party and government of Cuba, a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and the foreign minister of Cuba.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that Cuba has long strived to explore a socialist path suited to its own national conditions, earning widespread respect from the international community with its spirit of standing up to power and being unafraid of difficulties.

He said that amid the shifting international landscape, China and Cuba have always maintained sincere mutual trust and stood together, and last year, the two countries celebrated the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. At present, the situation in Latin America is undergoing complex and profound changes, said Wang, noting that upholding fairness and justice has always been a consistent principle of China's foreign policy.

China stands ready to work with Cuba to implement the consensus reached between their two heads of state, continue providing support and assistance within its capacity, consolidate and advance the friendly ties between the two countries, and work with like-minded countries in renewed efforts to enhance solidarity among the Global South and uphold regional and global peace, Wang said.

Rodriguez noted that Cuba and China are brothers and comrades, expressing gratitude for China's steadfast support of the Cuban people in opposing external blockades and sanctions, and for its assistance in Cuba's economic and social development.

Cuba takes pride in being the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic relations with China and forge a bilateral community with a shared future, Rodriguez said, adding that Cuba supports China's vision of a community with a shared future for humanity and four major global initiatives.

He said that Cuba adheres to the one-China principle, opposes "Taiwan independence" separatism, and is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached between their two heads of state to strengthen cooperation in all fields.