HAVANA, July 14 (Xinhua) -- A cultural gala with artists from China held this Saturday in Havana is an opportunity to strengthen friendship between the two countries, said a senior Cuban official.

Mercedes Lopez Acea, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, welcomed the Chinese delegation,and expressed her hopes in promoting bilateral ties.

The official said that China is a country that Cuba respects and would like to learn from. Cuba also expects to strengthen bilateral relations in both political and economic aspects

The Chinese delegation came from the city of Shanghai, to participate in the XXIV meeting of the Sao Paulo Forum, a gathering attended by more than a hundred parties and progressive social movements from Latin America and Europe.

"The gift that China has given us today with these talented and virtuous artists has made us dream. Their quality and talent in this show has been extraordinary," said the party official.

A total of eight cultural performances were presented during "Shanghai Night," at which the Cuban public were able to enjoy China's cultural diversity.

The show included Chinese traditional dances, Suona (double-reed horn) performances and wirewalking.

As a preamble to the gala, a photographic exhibition was held in the lobby of the National Theater of Cuba, showcasing the main achievements of Shanghai during the past 40 years of implementation of China's reform and opening-up policy.