Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong on Friday pledged for closer cooperation with Cuba on education, especially the exchange of students and the opening of a Confucius Institute.

Liu made the remarks when meeting with a Cuban educational delegation led by Lissette Diaz Castro, a representative of the Council of State of Cuba.

Hailing the sound development of China-Cuba ties, Liu expressed the appreciation for the efforts Cuban government has taken to train Chinese students.

She suggested the two sides intensify cooperation on the exchange of students and the opening of the Confucius Institute in Havana University, so to lift the bilateral cooperation to a new level.

Liu also conveyed her greetings to Fidel Castro, former Cuban President, and expressed sympathy condolence to the Cuban government and people affected by Hurricane Gustav on behalf of Chinese government.

Castro briefed Liu Chinese students'living and studying situation in Cuba. She also spoke highly of the successful Beijing Olympic Games and thanked the Chinese side for inviting her to attend the opening ceremony of Paralympics.

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2008)