Diaz-Canel will infuse vigor into ties

Cuba witnessed a historic transition of power on Thursday with outgoing president Raul Castro handing over presidency to the first vice-president, Miguel Diaz-Canel. Cuba has got its first leader born after the Cuban Revolution in 1959.

In his inauguration speech, Diaz-Canel, 58, said he would follow the course of social and economic reform set at the 6th and 7th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba. He also said Cuba would stick to its independent diplomacy policy, and not accept any conditions imposed by another country.

Nevertheless, Diaz-Canel is expected to bring freshness to Cuban politics and economy, as he promised to promote group leadership, increase people's participation in politics, and make more flexible economic policies.