国内英语新闻:Chinese vice premier in Cuba on enhancement of political cooperation

HAVANA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- China and Cuba, on the occasion of Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang's current visit in Cuba on Thursday, pledged efforts to enhance bilateral practical cooperation in line with the agreements reached between the leaders of the two countries last year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cuban leader Raul Castro reached important agreements on deepening relations between their two nations during Xi's state visit to the country last year, said Wang, who arrived in Cuba early Thursday after attending the China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) in Washington.

Wang's visit, which coincides with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba, aims to cement the agreements reached between Chinese and Cuban leaders and to produce tangible results on the basis of sound bilateral political relations, Wang said while meeting Ricardo Cabrisas, vice president of Cuba's Council of Ministers.

"This is my first trip to this country, but since the plane landed here, I have felt as if I were at home," said Wang.

Wang called for strengthened planning in cooperation between the two countries in infrastructure construction, bio-tech, agriculture and renewable energy, as well as efforts to explore industrial and investment cooperation potentials.

Cuba is willing to work with China to implement the agreements between Raul Castro and Xi on deepening bilateral ties, said Cabrisas.

He pinpointed key sectors for future cooperation, including bio-tech, pharmacy, agriculture, manufacture, energy and tourism.

Wang and Cabrisas witnessed the signing of an economic and technical cooperation agreement after their meeting.

"This agreement reaffirms China as one of Cuba's strategic partners in fulfilling the 2016-2020 national development programs," said Ileana Nunez, Cuba's deputy minister of foreign trade and investment.

Wang will travel to Brazil for a visit after the Cuban tour.