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Hu arrives in Cuba to bolster trade, ties

HAVANA: Chinese President Hu Jintao began a two-day visit to Cuba by agreeing to increase Chinese purchases of Cuban nickel and sugar, and send farm goods to the island as it recovers from three devastating storms. Mr. Hu arrived in Cuba late on Monday on the second leg of a Latin American tour. Earlier, the Chinese leader announced the start of free trade talks with Costa Rica in January.

Even as Cuban state television broadcast images of Mr. Hu arriving at Havana's airport, it was already announcing the signing of the trade and investment accords. The governments were expected to sign more economic agreements during his visit.

The much-needed investment comes just weeks after Cuba's farm sector and economy were devastated by Hurricanes Gustav, Ike and Paloma, which did more than $10 billion in combined damage. Cuban media did not give a monetary value for the latest agreements.

''For half a century, the Cuban people have accomplished great successes in safeguarding state sovereignty, national economic development and a better quality of life,'' said Mr. Hu in a statement. ''We sincerely hope that the Cuban people continue to make new advances in building socialism.''

Mr. Hu, who was accompanied by a large delegation of Chinese businessmen, was met at the airport by Vice-President Jose Ramon Machado Ventura and a throng of Chinese residents who waved tiny Cuba and Chinese flags.

Mr. Hu last came to Cuba in 2004, when he met Fidel Castro. The Chinese President was scheduled to visit a Havana school for Chinese students on Tuesday and Cuba's government scheduled an accord-signing ceremony at the Palace of the Revolution in the evening.

China is Cuba's second-largest trading partner, with the two sides generating $2.7 billion annually. Only Venezuela trades more with Cuba. - AP

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