Cuban leader Fidel Castro met with visiting State Councilor Chen Zhili, at the Chinese Embassy in Havana on Sunday.

 

Castro said the rapid economic development of China has become one of the engines behind the growth of world economy.

 

He also spoke highly of the "putting people first" governance philosophy upheld by the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government and the "scientific concept of development."

 

On Cuba's domestic situation, Castro said that in view of the hiking world oil prices, his government has placed high priority on energy conservation in the country's economic work.

 

Cuba is ready to cooperate with China in this field, he added.

 

Chen, who praised the achievements Cuba has made in its economic and social development, said China also stands ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the Caribbean country in various fields.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 14, 2006)