BEIJING, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) leader Zhou Yongkang said here Monday the Chinese government hopes to increase security and law enforcement cooperation with Cuba.

"We should work together to jointly safeguard the two nations' security and interests," Zhou, Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said when meeting with Cuban Interior Minister Abelardo Colome Ibarra.

Hailing the traditional friendship between China and Cuba, Zhou spoke highly of Cuba's efforts to cope with the international financial crisis and natural disasters.

He also applauded Cuba's achievements in social and economic progress.

Colome, also vice president of the Council of State of Cuba, said he was encouraged by China's achievements and his country will firmly support China in issues concerning its core interests.