China, Cuba to Further Bilateral Cooperation

Cuban President Castro Meets Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing

China and Cuba Tuesday voiced their satisfaction with the development in their bilateral relations, and agreed to further develop the cooperation and friendship between them.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing and Cuban President Fidel Castro in the Cuban capital of Havana.

Li, who arrived here Tuesday on an official visit to the Caribbean island country, said that his visit was intended to improve mutual understanding between China and Cuba, and promote the existing cooperation and friendship between the two nations.

Li said that the Chinese government and people highly appreciated the great achievements made by Cuba with its own efforts in all fields of social developments.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of cooperation and friendship with Cuba, Li said.

Over the past years, and especially after the exchange of visits between the presidents of China and Cuba, the bilateral ties advanced smoothly, he noted.

Li said that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Beijing and Havana and that he hopes to see an all-round development of friendship and cooperation in the new century.

Castro said that Cuba and China have made great progress in promoting bilateral cooperation over the past years.

Cuba looks forward to further strengthening all-round cooperation and friendship with China, said Castro.

Li is heading the Chinese delegation to the South Summit, the largest gathering of heads of state and government of the Group of 77 members, which was founded in 1964. Leaders of developing countries will begin their summit on Wednesday.

The visiting Chinese vice premier said that the upcoming South Summit is very important, and the participation by more than 100 countries fully demonstrates the determination of the developing nations to achieve solidarity and cooperation.

After his meeting with Castro, Li held talks with Carlos Lage Davila, vice-president of Cuba and secretary of the Cuban Executive Committee.