Xi, Uruguayan president hold talks, elevate ties to comprehensive strategic partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Uruguayan President Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou in Beijing on Wednesday.

The two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi said that 2023 marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Uruguay, as well as the fifth anniversary of Uruguay joining the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Over the past 35 years, the two countries have consistently adhered to mutual respect, equal treatment, and win-win cooperation, with vibrant developments in various fields of exchange and collaboration. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries have supported each other and worked together to combat the virus, leading to the elevation of the China-Uruguay strategic partnership, Xi pointed out.

China is willing to work with Uruguay to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership as a new starting point and coordinate efforts to enhance the level of bilateral relations. This will enrich the substance of cooperation between the two countries and transform China-Uruguay relations into an exemplary model of unity and cooperation among nations of different sizes, systems, and cultures, he said.

Xi added that the aim is to better serve the development of each country and promote the well-being of the people of both nations.

He emphasized the importance of enhancing political mutual trust, sharing development opportunities and jointly promoting the modernization of each country and global modernization. Both sides should engage in exchanges and cooperation between legislative bodies, political parties and localities, as well as take the signing of the Belt and Road cooperation plan as an opportunity to strengthen the synergy of development strategies.

China welcomes the inflow of more high-quality agricultural and livestock products, as well as high value-added products from Uruguay, encourages Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Uruguay, and hopes that Uruguay will continue to provide a favorable business environment for Chinese companies, Xi added.

Both countries are committed to promoting cultural and sports exchanges to facilitate the movement of people between the two nations. China is willing to provide more scholarship opportunities to Uruguay, he said, adding that the overall objective is to create more convenient conditions for people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, contributing to the development and well-being of both nations.

China and Uruguay share similar views on many international and regional issues, with broad consensus and common interests. Both sides can further strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. This collaborative effort aims to contribute to making the world more peaceful, prosperous, and just. China highly values the development of China-Latin America relations and appreciates Uruguay's consistent and active participation in overall cooperation between China and Latin America, Xi said.

Lacalle Pou expressed great pleasure at leading an important cabinet and trade delegation to visit China during the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uruguay and China.

The Uruguayan government recognizes that there is only one China, and views peaceful reunification as China's internal affairs to be determined by the Chinese people themselves. Both Uruguay and China are steadfast defenders of multilateralism, advocates for free trade, and are committed to promoting world peace and stability. The relationship between Uruguay and China has transcended the economic and trade sectors, presenting a positive trend of multidimensional and high-level development, Lacalle Pou said.

He said that Uruguay actively supports the joint construction of the BRI, and aligns with Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi. Uruguay hopes to strengthen cooperation in economic, technological, sports, and tourism sectors.

Uruguay welcomes more Chinese companies to invest and operate in Uruguay, supports the establishment of more Confucius Institutes in Uruguay, and aims to facilitate people-to-people exchanges and cultural interactions between the two countries, Lacalle Pou added.

Following the talks, the two presidents jointly witnessed the signing of the Belt and Road cooperation plan. Bilateral cooperation agreements were signed covering sectors including trade and investment, the digital economy, green development, agriculture, health, education, culture, technological innovation, and customs inspection and quarantine.