国内英语新闻:China, Cuba celebrate 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties

BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- China and Cuba Wednesday held a banquet to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Zhou Yongkang, a member of China's top leadership, and visiting Vice President of the Council of Ministers of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz addressed the banquet.

Zhou, a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said China-Cuba relations have endured the changes of the international situation for 50 years.

The two countries have also deepened exchange and cooperation in politics, economics and culture.

"We see from history that it is the common hope of both parties,countries and peoples to maintain a friendly relationship. It is also in the interests of both sides," Zhou said.

He said China values its traditional friendship with Cuba.

He also said China admires Cuba for its insistence on its sovereignty and its adherence to socialism.

"China will firmly support Cuba to find a way to development in accordance with its national situation. China will provide assistance to Cuba to help its social and economic development," Zhou said.

The senior CPC official also thanked Cuba for its firm support on issues concerning China's sovereignty, security and dignity, saying the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people will never forget Cuba's support.

"Facts prove that China and Cuba are good friends, comrades and brothers," Zhou said.

He also urged more friendly exchange between the two countries to further enhance people-to-people exchange and promote the development of China-Cuba relations.

Hailing the establishment of China-Cuba ties as the start of China's friendship with Latin American countries, Cabrisas said the China-Cuba relations will achieve further development with efforts from both sides.

In 1960, Cuba was the first Latin American nation to forge diplomatic relations with China.