2010-07-08 10:23

HAVANA - Chinese Ambassador to Cuba Liu Yuqin described on Wednesday as "excellent" the relations between both nations and governments, emphasizing their mutual solidarity.

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During a visit to the southern province of Cienfuegos, the diplomat said bilateral cooperation was at its best moment, with several agreements in education, health, culture and economic services.

The Chinese ambassador stressed the mutual support both countries had provided to each other in their respective struggles for sovereignty and independence over the past 50 years.

Liu also mentioned the celebrations in 2010 for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Cuba ties. They include meetings, workshops, dance and music presentations to promote among the Cubans the Chinese customs and folklore, Liu said.

Cuba is the first Latin American country to have set up diplomatic ties with China. The two countries established diplomatic relations on September 28, 1960.

Thanks to expanded collaboration in various fields, China has become Cuba's second largest trading partner with their bilateral trade volume rising to over US$ 2.2 billion in 2008 from 800 million dollars in 2004.

In 2009, China was Cuba's largest supplier of capital goods and consumption commodities.