Cuban leader's trip seals two-pronged co-operation
By Jiang Zhuqing (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-04-19 06:43

An economic and technological co-operation agreement was signed yesterday between China and Cuba during the official visit of Raul Castro Ruz, second secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba.

However, the content of the agreement was not disclosed by either side.

When meeting with the Cuban second secretary, Chinese leaders expressed the desire to further develop relations and co-operation in all fields.

After establishing diplomatic relations 45 years ago, Sino-Cuban ties have been weathered by time and historic developments, said President Hu Jintao.

Adhering to socialism, both parties are exploring the path of development fit for their own national conditions and are strengthening co-operation, he said.

Echoing Hu's comments, Raul Castro said the Communist Party of Cuba and the Cuban Government were willing to further strengthen and expand friendly exchanges and co-operation with China so as to achieve common development by learning from each other.

He expressed appreciation towards Chinese people's long-term commitment to helping the Cuban people.

Referring to the Sino-Cuban relationship, Vice-President Zeng Qinghong said that it is at a new stage of all-round development, featuring comprehensive progress, deepening trust and friendship and co-operation in political and economic sectors and international affairs.

China will strictly implement the consensus reached by President Hu and his Cuban counterpart Fidel Castro during Hu's visit to Cuba last November and further promote Sino-Cuban relations to new high, said Zeng.

"Our mutually-beneficial co-operation in economy and technology and co-operation in political and international affairs witnessed great progress with the promotion of the top leaders from both sides," said Raul Castro.

After their meeting, the two leaders appeared side-by-side at the signing ceremony of the economic and technological co-operation agreement.

Premier Wen Jiabao said China and Cuba had developed a profound, friendly relationship and had also continuously made new achievements in economic and trade co-operation.

Raul Castro said the Communist Party of China (CPC) had won world recognition for its achievements in exploring a course of development that fitted the national conditions of China.

Raul Castro, brother of Cuban President Fidel, started his official visit to China on Sunday as guest of the CPC, meeting with Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

It is Raul Castro's second visit to China since 1997.

He also serves as first vice-president of the Council of State and first vice-president of the Council of Ministers of Cuba.

(China Daily 04/19/2005 page2)

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