Cuba, China pledge to further bilateral cooperation
( 2001-11-06 14:23 ) (8 )

Cuban leader Fidel Castro met in Havana on Monday with Chinese top legislator Li Peng and the two sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in various fields.

During the talks, which touched upon issues including international trade, disaster relief and bilateral economic cooperation, the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral trade and economic relations.

They also pledged to promote bilateral cooperation in areas such as science and technology, culture and education, and telecommunication.

Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, expressed sympathy on behalf of Chinese President Jiang Zemin with the Cuban people, who have been fighting the devastating Hurricane Michelle since last weekend.

Li spoke highly of the Cuban government's management of disaster defense and relief efforts, which have ensured a minimum loss expected from such a powerful hurricane.

Castro, who has just returned from his inspection of the Michelle-stricken areas, briefed Li on the losses of life and property in the violent windstorms, saying at least four people died.

The two leaders also discussed in detail how developing countries should meet the challenge of the economic globalization.

Li is in Havana on the second leg of his five-nation visit to North Africa and Latin America, which has taken him to Algeria and will take him to Argentina, Uruguay and Tunisia.