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| Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and Cuban
President Fidel Castro wave during their meeting at the Palace of
the Revolution in Havana, November 22, 2004. Hu Jintao is in Cuba on
an official two-day visit. (Reuters) |
Developing co-operative relations between China and Cuba suits the
interests of both countries and will contribute to world peace, visiting
Chinese President Hu Jintao told his Cuban counterpart on Monday.
In their meeting Monday evening, Hu and Fidel Castro, president of the
Council of State and the Council of Ministers of Cuba, agreed to strive to
advance such a relationship.
In reviewing ties since China and
Cuba forged diplomatic relations in 1960, Hu said bonds have withstood the
test of time and changes in international situations.
The nations remain friends, supporting and treating one another frankly
and honestly, he said.
Expanding relations enhances both societies and is conducive to world
peace and common development, Hu said.
Castro, who suffered a leg injury in a recent fall, received Hu sitting
in a wheel-chair as they held talks at government headquarters, the Palace
of the Revolution.
Cuba is President Hu's last stop on a four-nation Latin-American trip,
which took him to Brazil, Argentina and Chile.
To continue to develop relations with the Caribbean country, Hu
proposed the sides increase exchanges to and long-term co-operation in
government, parliaments and political parties.
In addition, direct links should be encouraged among non-governmental
organizations and other institutions, Hu said.
With regard to trade, Hu proposed the sides deepen co-operation.
Cuba has abundant tourism resources and optimal conditions for
developing marine fisheries, and its bio-technology is also very advanced,
Hu said.
The two countries should jointly invest in these advantageous areas, he
said.
Trade stood at about US$356.8 million last year, with volume surging by
36.7 per cent to reach US$401 million through September this year,
according to Chinese customs statistics.
Hu also said the two countries should shore up consultations in
international affairs and defend the legitimate rights of developing
countries to contribute to world peace and development.
Castro said he fully agreed with Hu's proposals.
Talking about trade, Castro mentioned China's colour TV sets, which he
said are of good quality.
Following its import of 1.3 million such products from China since
2000, Castro said Cuba hopes to purchase another 1 million.
He said he had closely followed China's development and was pleased to
see China's fast-paced growth and the rapid development of Cuban-Sino
relations.
After the men met, officials from the two governments signed a dozen of
documents on plant quarantine, fisheries, bio-technology and economic
co-operation, along with a memorandum on jointly launching an iron-nickle
plant in Cuba.
Hu was scheduled to leave Cuba on Tuesday, local time.
(China Daily) | 
Updated: 2004-11-24 10:45