The Cuban government bestowed the Friendship Medal on Chinese Ambassador to Havana Zhang Tuo for his outstanding work in the Caribbean nation.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez handed pinned the medal on the Chinese diplomat who has served over four years in Cuba strengthening the historic bonds of friendship, cooperation and brotherhood between the Chinese and the Cuban government, Communist parties and people.

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

Both visits favored the signing of important accords in biotechnology, cyber-security, renewable energy, medical research and other fields.

The Chinese ambassador thanked the Cuban government and people and the island’s Foreign Ministry for the distinction, which he considered a honor. “I feel honored and satisfied because this is a distinction that proves the high priority that Cuba gives to its relations with China.”

Cuban President Raul Castro paid a visit to China in 2012 and first vice-president Miguel Diaz Canel also visited the Asian nation in 2013 and 2015.