Uruguayan president's China trip will inject new impetus into bilateral ties

Editor's note: Masud Rana, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an independent researcher and freelance columnist. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Uruguayan President Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou is currently in China from November 20 to 24 to further advance comprehensive strategic and commercial ties with Beijing. For his first visit, Lacalle Pou is visiting with a sizable delegation that includes important ministers and business representatives. This important visit will bolster diplomatic, commercial, and economic ties, emphasizing mutual respect and reciprocal benefits.

Negotiations for a potential free trade agreement are another goal of Lacalle Pou's visit, which represents a major diplomatic advance for Uruguay as it prepares to deepen its relationship with one of its main trading partners. 

The long-standing friendship between the two nations will be strengthened even more by this visit, which will also increase political mutual trust and practical cooperation between the two sides.

Lacalle Pou's visit takes place in the year of their 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties. He is participating in promotional events that highlight products, services, and trademarks belonging to Uruguay. Additionally, since this is President Lacalle Pou's first visit to China, the Chinese president held a welcome ceremony and a welcome banquet for him.

The governments of China and Uruguay both place a strong emphasis on upholding the concepts of non-interference, identity, and sovereignty. For 35 years, the two countries have upheld a robust relationship based on reciprocal respect and benefits. Exchanges in the areas of government, technology, academia, culture, and technology have allowed the relationship to grow beyond geographical bounds.

The bilateral trade relations grew stronger even during the COVID-19 pandemic. China was Uruguay's biggest trading partner with $7.44 billion in bilateral trade in 2022, up 14.9 percent from the previous year. A free trade agreement can now assist China and Uruguay in meeting the aspirations of their respective populations. Uruguayan goods might have more access to the Chinese market as a result.

The two countries interact and share common values despite their disparate locations and cultures. With the provision of sizeable Chinese investments, President Lacalle Pou's visit will serve as a catalyst for trade relations. In order to forge business deals and launch Uruguayan goods in such a sizable Chinese market, Uruguayan companies would be more inclined to fortify their economic relations with China. These initiatives ought to, nevertheless, be put into action.

"Popular diplomacy," which involved extra-governmental interactions between general people, businesses, think tanks, legislators, activists, journalists, athletes, and artists from both nations, was another method of rapprochement. China and Uruguay's popular diplomacy will strengthen official government-to-government ties.

Gastro-diplomacy is also crucial in fortifying ties between Beijing and Montevideo. Mulu Hutong, a fine-dining establishment tucked away at Xinsi Hutong in Beijing's Dongcheng district, hosted Fiesta Uruguay, a food festival that introduced Chinese consumers to Uruguay's delectable cuisine.

China's friendship with the Latin American nation is essential for advancing globalization, interconnectedness, and improved mutual understanding in the spirit of a true multilateral approach. With increasing trade and interaction between the two countries, this much-anticipated visit will strengthen the relationship even further.

There is a great opportunity to realize the untapped potential between China and Uruguay because China always values comprehensive strategic engagement with all Latin American countries. The visit highlights Uruguay's goal to forge a successful and comprehensive partnership with Asia and highlights the country's growing significance and strategic position in trade dynamics.

The relationship between China and Uruguay has reached a mature and stable stage, providing a model of mutually beneficial cooperation between nations with varying sizes and national circumstances. Uruguay is the first country in the Southern Common Market to sign a memorandum of understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with China. The Latin American country also regards the China-proposed Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative as significant contributions to global peace and human advancement and is closely monitoring them.

Topics to be covered in China-Uruguay cooperation under the BRI include trade promotion, digital development, green economy concerns, and market and investment accessibility. One important area for advancing the BRI's green development is renewable energy. Uruguay has decarbonized electricity generation to a level of over 90 percent, making it a leader in green energy. The nation is thinking of selling renewable energy, especially solar and wind energy, to nations like China.

In addition to implementing various collaborative modalities, such as technical exchange, researcher and student training in China and Uruguay, and the development of collaborative research, high-level visits like Uruguayan president's China trip this week should also foster a long-term strategic relationship and deepen confidence between businesses, people, and organizations from both countries.

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