Top Chinese leaders exchanged congratulatory messages with Cuban leader Fidel Castro on Wednesday to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Cuban diplomatic ties.

President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao in their messages described the Sino-Cuban friendship as long-standing, noting that Cuba is the first Latin American country to establish diplomatic relations with China.

Over the past 45 years, relations between China and Cuba have been continuously consolidated and developed, they said.

In recent years, with efforts from both sides, bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various areas have made new progress and the Sino-Cuban relations have entered a new phase of vigorous development, the Chinese leaders said.

China and Cuba are friends, comrades and partners, they said, adding that the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government and people will cherish the traditional Sino-Cuban friendship and work tirelessly with their Cuban counterparts for an even better future for bilateral and friendly cooperation.

Over the past 45 years, Cuba and China have forged a relationship of unity and friendship, said Castro in his message to the Chinese leaders.

Cuban leaders are happy to see the tremendous achievements made by China in various fields, and are satisfied with the increasingly strengthened relations between the two countries, said Castro.

Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing also exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion with his Cuban counterpart Felipe Perez Roque.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2005)