Havana, September 15 (RHC/Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's upcoming visit to Cuba is expected to boost bilateral economic cooperation.

Quoted by the Chinese news agency XINHUA, Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez called the visit important and a major step in the China-Cuba bilateral scenario, adding that it would be a very successful visit that will be given utmost attention by the Cuban side.

XINHUA said Premier Li's Cuba visit will happen later this month, following the Chinese leader's participation in the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly and an official visit to Canada. It would be the first official visit ever to Cuba by a Chinese premier. Cuba-China diplomatic relations date back 56 years.

Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca recently told reporters that the visit will boost joint efforts to expand cooperation into new areas.

"During the premier's visit, a number of important economic cooperation agreements will be signed," said Malmierca.

The two sides are expected to sign cooperation deals in areas such as technology, renewable energy, industry and environmental protection.

"Chinese investments in our nation are starting to blossom and we have a joint strategic vision for the future," he added.
China is Cuba's second largest trade partner.