China, Cuba discuss communist party's role in development

Guo Jinlong (C), a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chief of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, addresses the opening of the first theoretical seminar between the Communist Party of China and the Communist Party of Cuba, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 10, 2014. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

Officials from China and Cuba's ruling communist parties held a theory seminar on Wednesday to discuss the communist party's role in China's reform and Cuba's "update" of its economic model.

Hailing the role of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in China's reform and opening-up, Guo Jinlong, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said socialist countries should explore their socialist road in line with their national conditions.

There is no hard and fast mode for socialism, said Guo, stressing the importance of innovation in socialist development.

He said as China is comprehensively deepening reforms, the CPC is willing to learn from Cuba's experience in socialism development.

Hailing bilateral party-to-party and country-to-country relations, Mercedes Lopez Acea, a member of the Political Bureau of the Cuban Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee, said the Cuban side is committed to pushing forward relations with the Chinese side in all fields.