Precisely at noon, Wednesday July 23, Xi Jinping and Raúl Castro arrived in Santiago de Cuba for the last day of the Chinese leader’s official visit, following a successful Latin American tour which also included Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela.

They were greeted by Lázaro Expósito, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in the province, along with Reinaldo García, president of the local government. In response to their welcome, Xi Jinping said, “It is a pleasure to come to this beautiful land.”

The tour began with a visit to the city’s Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, where the two leaders paid tribute to José Martí and continued on to the Moncada Garrison, converted into an educational complex after the triumph of the Revolution. Here, Raúl shared with Xi Jinping anecdotes of the revolutionary struggle which he described as “unforgettable memories.”

They later visited the headquarters of the Municipal Assembly of People’s Power, in the former city hall, where on January 1, 1959, Fidel proclaimed the revolutionary victory, on the very balcony where the two leaders took in the view of Céspedes Park.

Raúl spoke informally to the crowd of residents gathered, referring to the upcoming 500th anniversary of the city, “What do you think about celebrating here next year, at the same time we assaulted the Moncada?” He was answered with applause.

Escorted by the people, Raúl and Xi Jinping then strolled through the park. Before departing, Raúl again addressed the crowd, saying, “The 26th here! The 500th here! And after I die, bring me here, to Mayarí, with Vilma!”

At 8:53 pm, the President of Cuba’s Councils of State and Ministers bid Xi Jinping farewell, concluding a visit described as historic by both nations.