Li Changchun (R), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, shakes hands with Cuban Vice President of the Council of State Esteban Lazo Hernandez during their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, on July 10, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

    BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Officials of the communist parties of China and Cuba pledged here Monday to expand relations and fortify the friendship between the two peoples.

    Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in a meeting with visiting Cuban vice president of the Council of State Esteban Lazo Hernandez that China valued its ties with Cuba and was willing to enhance relations.

    "The two nations have established frequent high level exchanges and forged an important common understanding on how to enhance the substantial cooperation," Li said.

    He also expressed his appreciation for Cuba's support for China on the issues of Taiwan and Tibet.

    Lazo, also a member of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee Political Bureau and the committee's secretariat, said the Cuban people appreciated China's achievements in its socialist construction with Chinese characteristics.

    Cuba appreciated China's long-term support and the Cuban Communist Party and government valued its friendship, he said.

    Lazo said Cuba would consolidate coordination on regional and international issues and enhance bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and media fields.

    Lazo reiterated that Cuba would continue to adhere to the one-China policy and oppose "Taiwan independence". Enditem