China pledges to further promote bilateral ties with Cuba

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang holds talks with Cuban President Raul Castro at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana, Sept 24, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

He said Cuba agrees with China on measures to develop bilateral ties and is willing to learn from China's development experience.

Cuba looks forward to increasing high-level exchanges with China, and expanding down-to-earth cooperation with China in trade and education, Castro added.

He also suggested the two countries enhance coordination on international affairs so as to safeguard common interests of the vast number of developing countries.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of some 20 cooperative agreements in areas including economic technology, finance, production capacity, telecommunication, environment protection, and inspection and quarantine.

Li arrived in Havana Saturday for a three-day official visit to Cuba, the first official visit to the Latin American country by a Chinese premier since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1960.

At the airport, a welcoming ceremony was held for Li, which was attended by Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cuba's first vice-president of the councils of state and ministers, and some other senior officials.