Raul Castro, president of the Cuban Council of State and the Council of Ministers, held a welcoming ceremony for Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Havana on Sept 24, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

HAVANA - China on Saturday pledged to further forge ahead bilateral relations with Cuba through enhancing high-level exchange of visits and promoting economic cooperation.

The pledge came as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held talks with Cuban President Raul Castro at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana on Saturday.

Li arrived in the capital of the Caribbean country on Saturday afternoon following a visit to Canada.

Hailing the progress made in the past 56 years since the two countries set up diplomatic ties, Li said China has firmly adhered to the policy of China-Cuba friendship, supported Cuba in following a socialist path and promoted bilateral pragmatic cooperation.

China stands ready to further enhance high-level exchange of visits, deepen economic cooperation and step up coordination on international affairs with Cuba so as to push forward bilateral ties, said Li.

Both China and Cuba are currently facing urgent tasks of developing the economy and improving the livelihood of the people, said the premier.

China wants to focus on development and cooperation with the Cuban side, supports Cuba's industrialization process and would like to conduct cooperation with Cuba in infrastructural construction and industrial equipment production, Li said.

The Chinese premier also called on the two countries to expand trade and investment cooperation, share development experience and make more frequent people-to-people exchanges.

Raul Castro, for his part, spoke highly of the historic significance of Li's visit, the first official visit by a Chinese premier in 56 years.