Zhu said the visit of Castro would surely inject new vitality into the development of bilateral ties, and the prospects of China-Cuba relations would be broader.

Despite volatile international situation, Castro had led the Cuban people to score remarkable achievements in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence, boosting economic growth and raising people's living standard, Zhu said.

In the past decade, China-Cuban ties had developed smoothly with frequent high-level visits, deepening political trust, more trade and economic cooperation, and mutual support and close cooperating in international affairs, the premier said.

Zhu said Cuba had become one of China's key trade partners in Latin America. Both sides had made new progress in economic cooperation in recent years, especially in agricultural sector.

The Chinese government always attached great importance to China-Cuban ties, and China was willing to have more cooperation in trade and economy on the footing of equality and mutual benefit, said Zhu.

Castro said his current China trip had impressed him deeply with the great changes which had taken place in recent years, and he was glad to see China rising on the international stage.

Castro also expressed the gratitude of the Cuban people for all China's assistance.

Cuba and China had maintained cooperation in areas like trade, economy and education. He expressed the hope that Cuba-China cooperative ties would be boosted.

(Xinhua News Agency February 27, 2003)