Backgrounder: Relations between China, Cuba

He Guoqiang (R), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), is welcomed by Fernando Remirez de Estenoz, head of the ruling Cuban Communist Party's (PCC) International Relations Committee, at the airport in Havana, Cuba, June 22, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    HAVANA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- He Guoqiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), arrived here Sunday evening for a four-day goodwill visit to Cuba.

    In a written statement delivered upon arrival at the airport, He praised the achievements made by the Cuban people under the leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba in safeguarding their national sovereignty, developing national economy and improving people's lives.

    He, who is also secretary of the CPC's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said Cuba was the first Latin American country to establish diplomatic relations with China, and the CPC and the Chinese government attach great importance to Sino-Cuban friendship and cooperation.

He Guoqiang (L), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), is welcomed by a member of the Chinese embassy to Cuba at the airport in Havana, Cuba, June 22, 2008.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    In the past 48 years of diplomatic ties, the two countries have witnessed steady growth of friendly cooperation, frequent exchanges of high-level visits, expanding economic and trade exchanges and fruitful results in bilateral reciprocal cooperation, he said.

    Noting that both sides show mutual support and have close cooperation in international affairs, He said his visit to Cuba is aimed at furthering mutual understanding, consolidating traditional friendship, enhancing political trust and promoting cooperation of mutual benefit.

    He said he is expecting to exchange views with Cuban leaders on issues of common concern and learn from Cuba's experiences, adding that he is convinced that this visit will be a success.

    Cuba is the first leg of He's four-nation visit that will also take him to Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil and Angola.