Chinese president meets Cuban FM

Chinese President Xi Jinping(R) shakes hands with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2013. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla in Beijing on Thursday.

Xi said China and Cuba are good friends, comrades and brothers. Facing a complicated and changing international situation, the two countries, both in a critical development stage, should work together and strengthen cooperation.

China attaches high importance to its relations with Cuba. The two countries should have closer high-level exchanges, share experience in national governance, promote cooperation in priority areas and work closely on international affairs. They should also jointly promote the development of the relationship between China and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean area, Xi added.

He also hoped the Communist Party of Cuba and the Cuban people will make greater achievements in their socialist cause.

Rodriguez conveyed greetings from Cuban President Raul Castro Ruz and Fidel Castro Ruz to Xi. He said Cuba and China's traditional friendship had withstood the test of time.

He said Cuban people will continue to develop friendly relations with China. He hoped the two countries would strengthen exchanges, and expand cooperation in areas such as trade, economy and investment.

Rodriguez wished the upcoming Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee a success. He also reaffirmed Cuba's support to China on its efforts to maintain national sovereignty and territorial integrity.