«We would like to extend our congratulations to Cuba and sincerely hope that Cuba can achieve one victory after another in socialist construction,» the Chinese president said in a written report handed over to reporters upon his arrival at Havana´s Jose Marti International airport, where he was welcomed by Cuba´s first vice-president Miguel Diaz-Canel, Chinese media reported.
In Cuba, which is the last leg of his current Latin American tour that already took him to Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela, Xi is scheduled to hold talks with President Raul Castro and sign a far-reaching bilateral cooperation document for future development of mutual relations.
Cuba and China will also sign collaboration agreements in areas such as trade, agriculture, bio-technology, culture and education, according to the report.
In his written remarks Xi recalled that back in 1960, Cuba became the first Latin American and Caribbean nation to forge diplomatic relations with New China, opening a new chapter for China-Latin America ties.
Since then the two nations have withstood the tests of a constantly changing international landscape, he said, adding that the two good friends, comrades and brothers have contributed a lot to promoting solidarity and cooperation among developing countries and safeguarding their common interests.
«I look forward to having in-depth talks with President Raul Castro and other Cuban leaders over bilateral relations and issues of common concern, taking stock of experience in growing bilateral relationship and charting the course for its future development,» said the Chinese leader.
Cuba, an important Latin American and Caribbean nation, has adhered to the socialist course for more than 50 years under the leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba, Xi noted.
The country has also firmly safeguarded national sovereignty, worked hard to promote economic growth, and constantly improved people’s livelihood, thus making outstanding achievements in various fields of social and economic development, he said.
With both nations now in a critical juncture for development, they face new important opportunities to grow their relations, he said.
The Chinese President said he expects his visit will further promote bilateral friendship and deepen mutual trust, expand cooperation and boost development.
