Top Chinese advisor holds talks with Cuban leader
Visiting Chinese top national advisor Jia Qinglin held talks with Ricardo Alarcon de Quesada, president of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, in Havana on Friday.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), spoke highly of the bilateral relations between China and Cuba, saying the relationship has entered a new period of all-round development.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1960, the parties, governments and peoples of China and Cuba consistently believe that such friendship is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and is conducive to safeguarding world peace, promoting common development and pushing ahead with the progressive cause of humanity, Jia noted.

"No matter how international situation changes, the communist parties of China and Cuba and the two peoples support and encourage each other on the basis of the same cause and faith," Jia said.

Jia said Chinese President Hu Jintao, during his visit to Cuba last year, has reached broad common understanding with his Cuban counterpart, Fidel Castro Ruz, on strengthening mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation between the two countries.

"My visit to Cuba is aimed at implementing these important common understanding, and enhancing Sino-Cuban relations and mutually beneficial cooperation," Jia said.

During the talks, Alarcon pointed out that Cuba was the first country in Latin-America to recognize the People's Republic of China 45 years ago.

"Facts have proved that this is the right decision," he said. "Cuba and China share similar history and experience."

The bilateral relations have been developing smoothly in recenty ears with the support of the leaders of the two countries, Alarcon said.

He expressed his heartfelt thanks to China for its long-standing support to Cuba. "Cuba attaches great importance to the relationship with China," he said.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Alarcon noted, adding that Cuba will take this as a chance to further promote the bilateral relations and friendly cooperation with China.

The two leaders also exchanged views on international and regional affairs.

After the talks, Jia Qinglin laid a wreath at the memorial of Jose Marti, a Cuban national hero, and visited Cuba's largest and most historic university -- Havana University.

Jia arrived in Havana on Thursday for a four-day official goodwill visit at the invitation of Alarcon.

The CPPCC is China's top advisory body, consisting of representatives of China's Communist Party, non-Communist parties, personages without party affiliation, and representatives of people's organizations, national minorities and all social strata.

The main functions of the CPPCC are to conduct political consultation, exercise democratic supervision and participate in the discussion and handling of state affairs.