In talks with Fidel Castro, president of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers of Cuba, who arrived here Wednesday on a four-day state visit to China, Li said that China-Cuba relations have seen new developments as both sides are making greater efforts for that end.

Li recalled his visit to Cuba in 2001, saying he was especially pleased to see the country has survived natural disasters and that its economy is recovering.

Frequent visits by senior officials from China and Cuba, plus smooth trade and economic growth, scientific cooperation, close consultations and mutual support in the international arena have proven the strong relations between the two countries, Li said.

The Chinese top legislator said that as the National People's Congress of China, or parliament, is about to start a new five-year term, he believed the new term of parliament will continue to develop relations with the parliament of Cuba.

Following talks with Chinese President Jiang Zemin on Wednesday, Li was the second senior Chinese official Castro has met during this tour.

Castro said he was glad to meet with Li again. He described Li's visit to Cuba as a symbol of support from the Chinese people and a help to Cuba.

Castro briefed Li on the domestic situation in Cuba and said he hopes relations between the two countries would grow to a higher level.

(Xinhua News Agency February 27, 2003)