Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for expanding China-Mexico cooperation in finance, electric vehicles and other emerging industries.

Xi made the remarks while meeting his Mexican counterpart, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. He also said the two sides should make good use of the inter-governmental cooperation mechanism and deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure construction.

The friendship between China and Mexico has grown stronger over time, Xi said, noting that last year the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi said at present, the strategic, complementary and mutually beneficial nature of China-Mexico relations has become increasingly prominent, and mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns have become firmer.

China attaches great importance to China-Mexico relations and is willing to work with Mexico to enhance strategic alignment, tap cooperation potential and leverage complementary advantages to push bilateral relations to a new level, he added.

The Chinese president stressed that China supports Mexico's independent development path in line with its national conditions and is willing to strengthen exchanges with Mexico in country governance.

Bilateral trade volume between China and Mexico has increased by more than 7,000 times since the establishment of diplomatic relations and highlights of cooperation in fields, including railways, automobiles and new energy are abundant, he said.

Xi said the two sides should deepen counternarcotics law enforcement cooperation and actively support each other in organizing events for people-to-people exchanges such as cultural performances and exhibitions.

The two sides should strengthen multilateral coordination, firmly uphold multilateralism and democracy in international relations, and safeguard international fairness and justice, as well as the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, Xi said.

Noting that next year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, Xi said China is ready to work with Mexico to promote the steady and long-term development of China-Latin America relations in the new era.

Xi once again expressed condolences to Lopez over the recent hurricane disaster that hit Mexico's Pacific coast. He said China will provide assistance to Mexico in the procurement of disaster relief supplies.