China welcomes El Salvador to jointly build Belt and Road
Updated 21:30, 04-Dec-2019
CGTN
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R2) and his wife Peng Liyuan (R1) pose for a photo with El Salvador's President Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez (L2) and his wife at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, December 3, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R2) and his wife Peng Liyuan (R1) pose for a photo with El Salvador's President Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez (L2) and his wife at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, December 3, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting El Salvadoran President Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez on Tuesday in Beijing and the two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation.

President Xi welcomed Bukele on his first state visit to China, saying that the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations opens the door for cooperation and marks an important event in the history of their bilateral relations.

While affirming the achievement made during the first year since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, President Xi noted that China will expand imports of sugar, coffee and other high quality specialty products from El Salvador.

The two sides should strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, quality inspection, energy, and science and technology, Xi said, adding that China welcomes El Salvador to play an active part in jointly building the Belt and Road.

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Bukele responded that there is huge potential for cooperation between the two sides and his country is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in such areas like investment, trade, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, culture and science and technology.

The president also showed willingness to jointly build the Belt and Road while stressing he hopes that the bilateral relations will set a good model for other countries in Latin America.

Following the talks, the two leaders jointly witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents and issued a joint statement.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with visiting El Salvador's President Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, December 3, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with visiting El Salvador's President Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, December 3, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also held talks with Bukele on the same day.

During their talks, Premier Li said he wishes that El Salvador will support Chinese enterprises who want to invest in the country.

Earlier on Tuesday, President Xi held a welcoming ceremony for President Bukele, who later laid a wreath at the Monument to the People's Heroes.

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