AKIPRESS.COM - President of China Xi Jinping arrived in Havana on Monday for his first state visit to Cuba since taking office, according to China Daily.
The President is scheduled to meet with with Cuban leader Raul Castro to draw up a blueprint for the future development of China-Cuba relations at a strategic level and from a long-term perspective.
The two countries will also sign documents of cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, agriculture, biotechnology, culture and education.
Upon his arrival, Xi recalled that in 1960, Cuba became the first Latin American and Caribbean nation to forge diplomatic relations with China, opening a new chapter in China-Latin America ties.
“I look forward to having in-depth talks with President Raul Castro and other Cuban leaders over bilateral relations and issues of common concern, taking stock of experience in growing the bilateral relationship and charting the course for its future development,” Xi said.
He expressed hope that with efforts from both sides, this visit would achieve the goals of promoting friendship, deepening mutual trust, expanding cooperation and boosting development.
Cuba is the last stop of Xi's four-nation Latin American tour, which has already taken him to Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela. He also attended the sixth BRICS summit and met with leaders of Latin American and Caribbean nations in Brazil.