Special Report: President Hu Attends Financial Summit, APEC Meeting, Visits Four Nations

Chinese president arrives in Havana for state visit

Chinese President Hu Jintao (C) and his wife Liu Yongqing (2nd R) greet children presenting flowers to them while Jose Ramon Machado Ventura (1st L), first vice-president of Cuba's Council of State and first vice-president of the Council of Ministers, looks on at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, capital of Cuba, Nov. 17, 2008. President Hu Jintao arrived in Cuba on Nov. 17 for a state visit. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    HAVANA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao said Monday upon his arrival in Havana that his state visit to Cuba aims to enhance friendship and enlarge cooperation between the two countries.

    In a written speech issued at the airport, the Chinese president said that during his visit he will exchange views with Cuban leaders on bilateral ties and major world issues of mutual concern.

    "It is the common desire of the Chinese and the Cuban peoples to consolidate and further develop lasting friendship between the two nations," he said.

    President Hu said that he believes his visit would be a complete success because of the well-prepared arrangements of the Cuban side.

    This is President Hu's second state visit to Cuba since his first one in November 2004.  Full story