Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, who is here on an official good-will visit, made the remarks in a meeting Monday with Fidel Castro, Cuba's president of the Council of State and Council of Ministers.

In a cordial and friendly manner, both sides had an in-depth exchange of views on relations between the two parties and the two countries, as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

Li said he, entrusted by the new leadership of the CPC led by General Secretary Hu Jintao, was here to see the remarkable achievements made by the Cuban people led the Cuban Communist Party.

China felt happy about and admired these achievements, Li said.

Speaking highly of the relations between the two parties and the two countries, Li said Castro, in his successful visit to China in February this year, had extensive contacts and in-depth discussions with Chinese leaders and reached important consensus, giving new impetus to the Sino-Cuban ties.

Castro said the Cuban Communist Party and government highly valued China's great achievements in its socialist construction, especially those in the social development.

Cuba also thanked the Chinese Communist Party, the government and people for their long-term understanding and support for the Cuban people in their revolution and construction, he said, adding that Cuba treasures the deep friendship between the two peoples.

He stressed that the current international situation is becoming increasingly complicated, and many unprecedented new circumstances and problems have appeared, noting that human beings are facing many severe challenges and difficulties.

Under these circumstances, he hoped both Cuba and China continued to make great efforts to further strengthen their exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

(Xinhua News Agency July 8, 2003)