China and Cuba Hold Landmark Summit

Chinese president Hu Jintao visited communist ally Cuba Wednesday, bringing with him millions of dollars in humanitarian aid and promises of closer trade ties.

The Chinese gift of 4.5 tons of humanitarian aid totaling more than US$2.5 million is intended for Cuban victims of hurricanes Gustav, Ike and Paloma, which caused US$10-billion worth of damages in the space of two months. China also extended Cuba a $70-million loan to repair damaged hospitals and another $10-million for social projects, as part of the second tranche of a $350-million line of credit approved in 2004.

Receiving the gift, Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation Rodrigo Malmierca said Cuba “deeply appreciates the visit of President Hu Jintao, at the exact moment the country is struggling to recover and continue its development”.

The Chinese leader spoke with officials about expanding on trade agreements between the two countries, met Chinese schoolchildren and had a “long conversation” with ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro, 82.

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