Chinese President Jiang Zemin met with Fidel Castro, president of the Council of State of Cuba, in New York on Tuesday and the two leaders exchanged views over the bilateral relations and world issues of common concern.
Jiang who arrived in New York on Monday to attend the Millennium Summit of the United Nations, spoke highly of the great achievements Cuba has made in all fields.
Castro, who is also president of the Council of Ministers of Cuba, briefed Jiang on the domestic situation of Cuba. He said that the Cuban people have since this year conducted a very arduous struggle against the kidnapping of Elian Gonzalez by some people in the United States and have won the final victory.
Castro said that Cuba is now continuing its struggle against the unfair treatment long imposed by the United States towards Cuba.
Jiang said that the Chinese people were very concerned about Elian's case and shared the pleasure enjoyed by the Cuban people when Elian was back home.
Jiang said that in the face of the power politics of the northern neighbor, the Cuban government and people, through their hard work, have taken the road of restoration and development.
He expressed his admiration for the achievements and victory won by the Cuban people.
On the Taiwan issue, Jiang stressed that the resolution of the Taiwan issue and the realization of China's reunification are irresistible, and "peaceful reunification, one country two systems " is China's fundamental policy in the resolution of the Taiwan issue.
Jiang said that the Chinese people have great sincerity in realizing the peaceful reunification of the motherland, and also have the resolve and necessary preparations for foiling any schemes to split the motherland and safeguarding the sovereignty and the integrity of the territory.
Castro expressed his belief that China will definitely realize the reunification of the motherland.
The two leaders also exchanged views on the economic and trade cooperation between the two nations.
(Xinhua 09/06/2000)
