China expects stronger substantial cooperation with Cuba

BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with visiting President of Cuba's Council of State and the Council of Ministers Raul Castro Ruz in Beijing on Friday, calling for expanded win-win cooperation in such areas as trade, agriculture, technology, energy and infrastructure.

Wen recalled their meeting during Raul Castro's China trip in 2005, adding that he believed the current trip of Raul Castro was of great importance for both sides in cementing exchanges and jointly responding to challenges under the new circumstances.

Referring to Cuba as China's important partner in the Latin American region, Wen said the strength and global status of Latin America is on the rise, which has a positive impact on the shaping of global order.

The Chinese premier put forward a series of proposals for cementing China-Latin America ties during his visit to Latin America in June.

"We hope to keep close coordination with Cuba to take China-Latin America cooperation to a new high," the premier added.