Cuban leader Fidel Castro said in Havana Sunday that it is very important for both Cuba and China to push forward the economic cooperation between the two countries.

Castro made the remarks while meeting with Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Zhou Wenzhong, who arrived in Havana Saturday for a visit.

During the meeting, Castro praised the fast development of China's economy, saying that it could not make such a remarkable achievement without the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party.

Zhou also expressed appreciation to Cuba for its firm support to the Chinese government on Taiwan and human rights issues..

With the joint efforts of both countries, the bilateral relations will get further developed, added Zhou.

(Xinhua News Agency June 21, 2004)