Li Peng Arrives in Havana for Official Visit
Chinese top legislator Li Peng arrived in Havana Saturday for an official visit to Cuba, during which he is expected to meet with Cuban President Fidel Castro.
According to a statement released upon his arrival, Li's discussions with Cuban leaders are expected to include international and regional issues, parliamentary affairs and economic construction.
Li is also expected to hold talks with his Cuban counterpart Ricardo Alarcon de Quesada.
Recalling the traditional Sino-Cuban friendship, Li said cooperation and exchange between the two countries have been enhanced in political, trade and economic, science and technology, and cultural areas.
Li said his visit will serve to further promote the development of Sino-Cuban relations.
Li's entourage includes Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress He Chunlin and Vice-Foreign Minister Wu Wenchang.
Cuba is the second leg of Li's five-nation visit to North Africa and Latin America. He has visited Algeria and is scheduled to leave Cuba for his next stop, Argentina on November 7.
Li Peng Concludes Visit to Algeria
Li Peng left Algiers on Saturday for Havana, Cuba, after winding up his three-day official visit to Algeria.
Speaking to reporters at the airport prior to his departure, Li described his visit as "short but successful."
During his stay, Li held talks with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President of the National People's Assembly Abdul Qadir Bin Saleh, President of the National Council Mohammed Sherif Mossaidia and Prime Minister Ali Benflis.
During the talks, Li and Algerian leaders agreed that terrorism poses threat to world peace and security, calling for cracking down on terrorism in all forms.
They also agreed that trade and economic cooperation between China and Algeria should be further enhanced in various areas, especially in energy and telecommunication industries.
( November 4, 2001)
