A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Wednesday met with a Cuban Communist Party (CCP) delegation, and pledged to further exchanges between the two parties.

 

It is the first CCP delegation to visit China since Cuban leader Fidel Castro, because of his illness, temporarily handed the presidency and the post as the first CCP secretary to his younger brother Raul Castro in July of 2006.

 

"The CPC would implement the agreement signed in 2004 with the CCP, and promote the exchanges in all levels," said Wu Guanzheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

 

The CCP delegation is visiting China to learn the socialist construction with Chinese characteristics and enhance the cooperation between the two parties.

 

Wu said China and Cuba had maintained friendly relations and cooperation since 1990s with the concern of the leadership of the two countries.

 

In the recent years, the frequent exchanges of high-level visits had further promote the reciprocal cooperation, he said, adding that "Sino-Cuban relations have entered a new era of all-around development."

 

Cuba is the only communist country in the western hemisphere. China and Cuba have maintained sound relations since they forged diplomatic ties in 1960.

 

Wu expressed gratitude for the support of Cuba on the issues of Tibet, Taiwan and human rights.

 

Fernando Remirez de Estenoz, head of the ruling Cuban Communist Party's (PCC) international relations committee, said Cuba and China were facing common tasks and challenges in the new period, which would help bring them closer.

 

He reaffirmed Cuba's adherence to one-China policy.

 

Remirez de Estenoz arrived in Beijing Tuesday for a week-long visit to China.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2007)