As major developing countries and newly emerging economies, China and Brazil are important partners, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said, calling for pragmatic cooperation between the two countries.

Premier Li made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday.

Li highlighted China-Brazil relations, saying that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have carried out fruitful cooperation and made breakthroughs in Latin America in many fields including trade.

Noting that it marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Li said that China is willing to take the opportunity to deepen political trust and expand pragmatic cooperation with Brazil, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples and make more contributions to world peace and global economy.

China and Brazil are each other's development opportunities, the Chinese premier said, stressing that China is willing to expand two-way opening-up and advance cooperation with Brazil in various areas, such as energy, under the complicated international situation and mounting downward pressure on the global economy.

Moreover, the two sides agreed to ease market access, expand investment and business cooperation, and create more favorable condition for companies.

Bolsonaro, for his part, said Brazil highly values relations with China. According to him, Brazil could not achieve development without the participation of the world, especially China. The economies of Brazil and China are highly complementary, he said.

Noting that Brazil is becoming more open, Bolsonaro expected to build a closer relationship with China with enhanced cooperation and become one of China's important partners.

Chinese top legislator Li Zhanshu also met with Bolsonaro in Beijing on Friday. He hailed the sound bilateral relations, and called on the two sides to push forward their comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.

"The National People's Congress of China stands ready to further enhance exchange and cooperation with the National Congress of Brazil to provide legal guarantee and support for smooth pragmatic cooperation between China and Brazil," said the top legislator.

(Cover: Premier Li Keqiang (R) shakes hands with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, October 25, 2019. /Photo via the State Council of People's Republic of China)