Chinese congratulation on Raul Castro

China on Tuesday congratulated Cuba's new leader Raul Castro, the younger brother of Fidel Castro, who stepped down last week after 49 years in power.

"China and Cuba are friendly nations, and China will continue to work with Cuba to push forward reciprocal and friendly relations," said Liu.

Liu said that China had advocated respect for the Cuban people's decision.

"We believe and wish Cuba would maintain stability and development under the new leadership, and this conforms to the interest of the people and is conducive to regional peace and stability," Liu said.

Liu also praised Fidel Castro as a beloved leader of Cuba, a veteran international activist and a good friend of China.

"He has long been committed to China-Cuba friendship and made historical contributions to bilateral ties," he said.

Cuban army general Raul Castro was elected on Sunday as president of Cuba during a legislative session of the Cuban National Assembly of People's Power in the nation's capital, Havana.

(Xinhua News Agency February 27, 2008)