China to consolidate ties with Cuba: Hu

Hu meets with Cuban vice president of State Council

Chinese President Hu Jintao said Saturday that China has set an unswerving policy on consolidating ties with Cuba, and the policy will not alter regardless of changes in international situation.

Hu made the remarks at a meeting with Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and vice president of the Council of State of Cuba.

With concerted efforts, China believes the bilateral friendship between China and Cuba would be developed better, said Hu, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

In recent years, China and Cuba, as well as the Communist parties of China and Cuba, frequented exchange of high-profile visits, enhanced mutual trust and expanded cooperation in various fields, said Hu.

As both parties adhere to socialism, explore the path of development fit for their own national conditions and are devoted to economic development to improve the people's living standards, there is a solid foundation for further cementing China-Cuba ties, Hu said.

Hu valued the achievements made by the Communist Party of Cuba, led by Fidel Castro Ruz, in leading the Cuban people to pushing forward the socialist cause.

Machado said that the two parties and two peoples supported each other in building socialism and closely cooperated in international issues, which greatly contributed to world peace anddevelopment.

The Cuban people admired the achievements of the Chinese people, Machado said, adding that Cuba is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in all fields.