Havana, June 5 (RHC-Xinhua)-- The 170th anniversary of Chinese presence in Cuba was commemorated in the coastal municipality of Regla Saturday, where the first 200 Chinese arrived in 1847.

A political-cultural event took place to mark the occasion, with the presence of a Chinese delegation headed by Ma Peihua, vice chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, local authorities and the Chinese community in Cuba.

Ma stressed that the friendship between the two peoples has lasted for 170 years since the first Chinese migrants overcame adverse conditions to become active members of society and contribute to Cuba's development.

He also recalled that Cuba was the first country in Latin America and the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, with bilateral relations now being "mature and stable."

The Chinese official stressed that relations between Beijing and Havana have withstood changing international situations and their peoples have enjoyed a deep friendship. He added that China is ready to maintain friendly relations with Cuba and to deepen bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.