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Raul Castro

HAVANA. — Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cuban leader Raul Castro pledged on Tuesday that the two countries will be long-term, staunch friends and partners for reciprocal co-operation. “We will resolutely deepen our friendship and treat each other with all sincerity, carry out mutually beneficial co-operation and forge our partnership in reform and development,” Xi said during talks with Castro, president of Cuba’s Council of State and the Council of Ministers.

“China cherishes the traditional friendship between the two nations. No matter how the international situation changes, it will be a set policy of China to develop a long-term friendship with Cuba,” Xi noted.

Since China and Cuba forged diplomatic ties 54 years ago, the two sides have been striving for a common goal, adhering to the same causes and beliefs, helping each other and sharing weal and woe as they built up socialism, Xi said.

The two sides have carried out cooperation and promoted common development on the basis of sincerity, mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, he said, adding that they have conformed to the trend and kept abreast with the times to inject new impetus into the development of ties.

Xi pointed out that the socialist path with Chinese characteristics is consistent with the historical tide and wins the support of the people.
For his part, Castro recalled his previous visits to China, saying bilateral relations are at the best moment in history with cooperation having been expanded to various areas.

The Cuban side was grateful that China provided consistent staunch support and spoke up boldly for Cuba in defence of justice, Castro said.
Cuba resolutely supports China’s efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and is willing to strengthen contacts with China on various levels, compare notes on socialist construction and learn from each other in this regard, he said. — Xinhua.