The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government attach great importance to the development of Sino-Cuban relations, a senior CPC official said in Havana on Tuesday evening.

Luo Gan, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

Luo said China and Cuba are both socialist countries sharing the common ideal and are making efforts to explore socialist development paths with their own characteristics.

He said that in recent years, China-Cuba relations have entered a new period of overall development with more exchanges and cooperation in politics, economy, trade, science and technology, culture and education.

He said this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Cuba, noting that China is determined to implement the consensus reached between leaders of the two countries aiming to further develop the friendly and cooperative relationship of mutual benefit.

Luo also expressed his appreciation for Cuba's support to China on such issues as Taiwan, Tibet and human rights.

Castro, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, said bilateral relations have progressed smoothly in recent years with frequent exchanges of high-level visits and sound cooperation in various fields.

Castro, also president of the Council of State and president of the Council of Ministers of Cuba, said the Cuban side will further promote cooperation with China, especially in medical and health fields.

Luo began his goodwill visit to Cuba Sunday afternoon at the invitation of the Communist Party of Cuba. Cuba is the last leg of Luo's visit to Latin America, which has taken him to Argentina and Uruguay.

(Xinhua News Agency December 22, 2005)