Hu vows to boost ties with Cuba

HAVANA: President Hu Jintao arrived in Cuba on Monday to further promote economic ties and friendship with the Caribbean island nation.

"My visit is aimed at increasing friendship and cooperation between our two nations, and working together with our Cuban comrades to build a promising future," Hu said in a statement after landing. He offered "sincere good wishes that the Cuban people continue to achieve new advances in the construction of socialism".

China has given 1,600 cotton blankets and 1,600 quilts worth 600,000 yuan ($88,000) to Cuba to help the hurricane victims.