Chinese President Jiang Zemin arrived in the capital of Cuba Thursday afternoon for a state visit at the invitation of Cuban President of Council of State Fidel Castro Ruz.
This is President Jiang's second trip to Cuba. He had paid a brief visit in November 1993.
At around 15:30 local time, President Jiang and the Chinese delegation arrived at the Jose Marti International Airport, where they were greeted by Castro and senior Cuban officials.
Castro then hosted a ceremony to honor Jiang in front of the Revolutionary Palace.
Chinese Ambassador to Cuba Wang Chengjia and Chinese people residing here were also present at the airport to welcome Jiang.
In a written speech distributed at the airport, Jiang said he was delighted to come to Cuba again for a state visit as guest of President Castro.
He described Cuba as "a shining pearl in the Caribbean Sea" and highly commended the country's unique culture and its heroic chapters in maintaining state sovereignty and national independence.
"Currently, the Cuban people, under the leadership of President Castro, is unified to build up a better future," he said, adding that China sincerely wishes Cuba new accomplishments in the course of socialism.
Cuba was the first Latin American nation to establish diplomatic ties with China. During the past 41 years, President Jiang said, the two countries expanded cooperation and exchanges in political, economic, scientific and technological, and cultural arenas.
"The Chinese government attaches importance to its ties with Cuba, supports the just struggle of Cuba in maintaining state sovereignty and national independence and opposing against outside interference and threat," he said.
China is ready to make concerted efforts with the Cuban side for the further development of Sino-Cuban friendly and cooperative relations.
Cuba is the fifth-leg of Jiang's Latin America tour. He will also visit Venezuela after Cuba.
(chinadaily.com.cn 04/13/2001）
