Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met in Beijing Tuesday with visiting Raul Castro Ruz, second secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba.  

China-Cuba relations have been developing smoothly in recent years. "The frequent high-level visits of the two sides strongly boost the friendly bilateral cooperation," said Jia.

"China values greatly its friendship with Cuba and admires deeply the efforts of the Cuban Communist Party and government in maintaining national independence and sovereignty and boosting economic and social development," he said.

He said China is ready to upgrade its cooperation with Cuba in politics, economy and trade, science and technology, education and culture to deepen the relations between the two countries and the two parties.

Raul Castro arrived in Beijing on Sunday at the invitation of the CPC. On Monday, he met with senior Chinese leaders including President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao. He also held talks with Vice President Zeng Qinghong.

China and Cuba established full diplomatic ties in 1960. It is Raul Castro's second visit to China since 1997. He also serves as first vice president of the Council of State and first vice president of the Council of Ministers of Cuba.  

(Xinhua News Agency April 20, 2005)