China, Cuba pledge to further enhance ties

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Raul Castro Ruz, president of Cuba's Council of State and the Council of Ministers, during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 5, 2012. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

China and Cuba are both at an important development stage and facing similar tasks. It is conducive to the two countries' common development and friendly cooperation between China and Latin America to further consolidate and develop China-Cuba relations, Hu said.

He called on the two countries to maintain close communication between all levels and give full play to party-to-party and governmental dialogue mechanisms to strengthen exchanges of experience on party building and national governance.

Hu called on the two countries to expand trade and economic cooperation, especially cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure construction, agriculture and biotechnology, and to encourage two-way investment.

Hu said the two sides should strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as culture, education and media, and increase youth exchanges.

He also called on the two countries to strengthen coordination and cooperation on major issues including the UN reform, climate change and sustainable development, so as to promote joint efforts in the establishment of a world with long-term peace and common prosperity.