Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong (L) holds a welcome ceremony for Raul Castro Ruz, second secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, in Beijing April 18, 2005.

Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong said Monday that the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) and government will strive to push forward bilateral relations with the Cuban Communist Party and government.

Zeng, also member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, made the remarks during his meeting with Raul Castro Ruz, second secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, in the Great Hall of the People.

Referring to Sino-Cuban relationship, Zeng said that it is at a new stage of all-round development, featuring comprehensive progress, deepening trust and friendship and cooperation in political and economic sectors and international issues.

"China and Cuba, both as socialist countries, are trying to seek the development ways in line with their domestic situation, which serves as a firm foundation for the two countries to enhance friendly cooperative ties," Zeng said.

China will strictly implement the consensus reached by Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Cuban counterpart Fidel Castro during Hu's visit to Cuba last November and further promote Sino-Cuban relations to a new high, Zeng said, noting that the CPC will further enhance exchanges and cooperation with Cuban Communist Party as well.

Raul Castro started an official visit to China on Sunday at the invitation of the CPC.

Briefing Zeng on the Cuban history and current situation, Raul Castro said that Cuba keeps enhancing its traditional friendship with China.

"Our mutual-beneficial cooperation in economy and technology and cooperation in political and international affairs witnessed great progress with the promotion from the top leaders of both sides," he said.

Upon his arrival in Beijing Sunday afternoon, Raul Castro met with Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee. Some other Chinese senior Party and state leaders are scheduled to meet with him.

It is Raul Castro's second visit to China since 1997. He also serves as first vice-president of the Council of State and first vice-president of the Council of Ministers of Cuba.