China''s Vice President Li Yuanchao expressed his wish today that China and Cuba strengthen party and government relations, and recalled that Cuba was the first Latin American country to establish diplomatic ties with this Asian nation.

The deputy head of State conveyed those statements to Yuniasky Crespo, first secretary of the National Committee of the Cuban Young Communist League, who is on an official visit here.

During a meeting held at the Great People's Palace, the Chinese leader said he hopes the two sides learn mutually from the experience of both communist parties and governments.

According to official versions, the also member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China exhorted youth from both countries to strengthen understandings to continue the traditional bilateral friendship.