Cuban and Chinese military leaders have met in Havana to reaffirm ties between the two communist countries.

In a meeting Saturday at Cuba's Armed Forces Ministry, the country's military chief, Raul Castro, stressed the long-standing friendship between the two nations. He said China's presence on the island will help strengthen relations between Beijing and Havana.

His Chinese counterpart, General Liang Guanglie, said his visit will help strengthen what he called the "historic" ties between the government, armed forces and people of both countries.

Following the meeting, the high-level Chinese delegation toured a tank base on the outskirts of Havana, where members were given details on the structure, mission and history of the military facility. The delegation leaves Cuba Sunday.

Some information for this report provided by AFP.