Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said in Beijing Monday that China wishes to strengthen friendly cooperation with Cuba and further push forward China-Cuba relations.

Tang made the remark while meeting with a delegation of the Cuban government led by Marcos J. Portal Leon, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba.

He said the Chinese government appreciates Cuba's firm support to China on issues including human rights and Taiwan, hoping the two sides will improve friendly exchanges, expand economic and trade cooperation, strengthen mutual support and cooperation in international affairs, and further develop China-Cuba relations.

Portal, also Cuba's minister of basic industry, thanked China for its consistent support. He said Cuba attaches great importance to the relations with China and is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields.

(Xinhua News Agency May 25, 2004)