Cuba visit aims to enhance friendship, co-op

Chinese President Hu Jintao is in Havana, Cuba for a state visit. He says his visit aims to enhance friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

In a written statement issued at the airport, the Chinese president said that during his visit he will exchange views with Cuban leaders on bilateral ties and major world issues of mutual concern.

President Hu Jintao said it is the common desire of the Chinese and the Cuban peoples to consolidate and further develop a lasting friendship between the two nations.

This is President Hu's second state visit to Cuba. His first visit to the country was in November, 2004.

The two countries will sign agreements of cooperation in economic and education sectors during Hu Jintao's visit.

Relief aid also arrived in Havana on the President's flight. The 600 thousand yuan worth of relief goods is to help people who suffered from recent hurricanes in Cuba. China and Cuba set up diplomatic ties in 1960.

In recent years, the two countries have maintained frequent high-level visits, deepened mutual trust and expanded trade and economic cooperation.

China is one of Cuba's most important trading partners with two-way trade totaling over 2 billion US dollars in 2007.