HAVANA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cuban President Raul Castro and his visiting Ethiopian counterpart Mulatu Teshome Wirtu on Tuesday pledged to boost the two countries' economic and trade ties and enhance bilateral cooperation.

Called the meeting "fraternal," a statement released by the Cuban government said spoke highly of bilateral political and cooperation relations and expressed the willingness to explore new ways to expand them.

"Castro and Teshome Wirtu also discussed national and international affairs of mutual interest," added the release published by the Cuban News Agency.

The Ethiopian president on Tuesday kicked off his four-day Cuba trip, which includes visiting places of economic and historic interest, and meetings with local officials.