On the morning of April 13, President Jiang Zemin held talks with Fidel Castro, President of Cuban Council of State, at the Cuban Revolutionary Palace. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on how to promote bilateral relations in the new century and major issues of common concern. The talks achieved broad consensus and positive results.

Castro warmly welcomed Jiang's state visit to Cuba. He said that it was Jiang's second visit to Cuba. His last one was paid in 1993 when Cuba suffered the biggest difficulties. Jiang gave them great support through that visit, which they would never forget.

Castro said that a lot of events have taken place internationally in the past few years. China's economy has developed rapidly and Cuba sticks to the road of its own choice. Bilateral relations have entered the best period in history. Jiang's current visit will definitely advance bilateral ties. We are glad with it.

Castro said that after the talks, the two sides would sign a series of important agreements, which would promote the greater development of bilateral friendly cooperation.

Castro wished Jiang a happy stay in Cuba. He said that Jiang would feel like home coming among the Cubans.

Jiang first thanked Castro's warm invitation and expressed the gladness to visit Cuba again. He said that he had a warm and grand reception as soon as he arrived in Cuba and he was greatly moved. Jiang said that in 1993, he met President Castro and many Cuban comrades and was impressed by the Cuban people's friendly feelings towards the Chinese people. We are glad to see that after many years of hard struggle, Cuba has achieved economic recovery and expanded foreign exchanges, which are remarkable achievements. We sincerely admire it and warmly congratulate Cuba on that.

Jiang said that the brave spirit demonstrated by the Cuban people in safeguarding state sovereignty and independence and fighting against outside interference and subversion has encouraged the people in other developing countries. The Chinese people are on the same side as the Cuban people are.

Jiang spoke highly of China-Cuba relations. He said that Cuba was the first country in the western hemisphere that established diplomatic ties with China. Last year, we jointly celebrated the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. In the past few years, bilateral friendly relations and cooperation have scored rapid growth. The two sides sympathized with and supported each other politically. Economic cooperation has steadily expanded with increasing exchanges. We have strengthened consultation and close coordination in international affairs with productive results.

Jiang spoke highly of the support given to China by the Cuban government on such issues as human rights, Taiwan, Tibet and China's entry into the World Trade Organization. Jiang also thanked the Cuban side for its support to China's bid for hosting the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and the 2010 World Fair in Shanghai. China will consistently support Cuba's just struggle in safeguarding state sovereignty and national independence.

Jiang emphasized that we would like to work with Cuban comrades to make new efforts to strengthen bilateral friendly relations and cooperation.

On bilateral economic cooperation and trade, Jiang said that Cuba is now one of China's major trade partners in Latin America. Both countries attach great importance to developing economic cooperation and trade. With the active encouragement of both governments and the joint efforts of the business communities, bilateral economic cooperation and trade have developed steadily. The Chinese and Cuban economies are complementary. We would like to work with the Cuban side on the basis of equality and mutual benefits to deepen cooperation and to provide assistance within our capacity.

Jiang said that they would attend a signing ceremony after the talks. The signing of these agreements testifies to the vitality of bilateral relations and will actively promote the development of bilateral relations.

Castro also briefed Jiang on the domestic situation of his country and thanked China for its assistance to Cuba in various fields. The two sides also had a discussion on issues related to the bilateral economic cooperation and trade. They also had an in-depth exchange of views on some major issues of common concern.