Chinese President Sends Message to Fidel Castro

Havana, Apr 21. -Chinese President Hu Jintao expressed his most sincere respect and cordial greetings to the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.

The 6th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba, held on the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the socialist character of the Cuban Revolution, has been a Congress that inherits the past and projects into the future, the Chinese leader stated in his message, released here on Thursday.

During 50 years as founder and promoter of the revolution and construction in Cuba, Fidel Castro, unafraid of foreign pressure, has led the Cuban people in safeguarding their national sovereignty and dignity, said Hu, secretary general of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba.

Hu described Fidel Castro as an eminent revolutionary, ideologist, strategist and statesman, and said that 51 years ago, he resolutely declared the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the People's Republic of China.

"You have always engaged in promoting Cuban-Chinese friendship, followed Chinese development closely, and given fraternal aid and support," the Chinese president noted.

"We will continue supporting Cuba's socioeconomic development as much as we can, and take forward the ties of friendship and cooperation between both parties and countries," Hu said. (Prensa Latina)