Wei Jianxing, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), met in Beijing Friday with John Luis Sierra Cruz, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).
"Both parties face tasks of maintaining world stability and peace, opposing hegemonism and power politics, developing the economy and building socialism," said Wei, a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau and member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the CPC.
Wei said Chinese President Jiang Zemin's recent visit to Cuba has strengthened ties between the two countries.
"We are optimistic about the prospects for the bilateral relationship," he added.
Wei praised the achievements Cuba has made since the 1959 revolution, and said that the Cuban people, led by the PCC with Fidel Castro at the core, have unyieldingly waged a struggle to safeguard Cuba's sovereignty and independence, winning understanding and support from more and more countries.
China is also glad to see that Cuba's economy is recovering, and that its international status is rising.
Sierra, who is also the first secretary of the PCC's Holguin Provincial Committee, said Cuba values its relationship with China.
Cuba will never forget China's support and assistance during Cuba's most difficult times, he said.
Sierra expressed the belief that the bilateral relationship will further develop in the new century.
Wei also briefed the Cuban guest on the building of the CPC and the ongoing anti-corruption campaign in China.
(Xinhua 04/28/2001)