China, Nicaragua elevate ties to strategic partnership

China-Nicaragua ties have been elevated to a strategic partnership that both countries believe is in line with the interest of their peoples, according to a joint statement published by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

The agreement was reached when Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation with Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega during the second anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In the phone call, Xi and Ortega spoke highly of the momentum of rapid development of China-Nicaragua relations. They also exchanged in-depth views on regional and international issues of common concern.

China and Nicaragua will strengthen strategic coordination and deepen political mutual trust, according to the joint statement. They agreed to enhance and expand cooperation and communication in peace and security sectors, trade and investment, people-to-people exchange, among others.

China highly appreciates Nicaragua's remarkable achievements in safeguarding independence, maintaining stability, developing the economy and improving people's livelihoods. It believes that Nicaragua will continue to achieve new successes in nation building, and the lives of the Nicaraguans will become even better, the statement read.

China will continue to provide support and assistance to Nicaragua's economic and social development to the best of its ability, said the statement.

The two countries also spoke highly of a free trade agreement they signed in late August, and agreed to facilitate the prompt implementation of the pact.

China welcomes more distinctive Nicaraguan products to enter the Chinese market, and Nicaragua is willing to actively utilize platforms like the China International Import Expo to expand exports to China, according to the statement.

China expressed its support for capable enterprises to invest and cooperate in Nicaragua, participating in the country's infrastructure development, and voiced its willingness to actively study the relevant investment and financing projects proposed by Nicaragua.

Nicaragua stated its readiness to further improve and consistently optimize its business environment, providing policy support and facilitation for Chinese enterprises investing and operating in Nicaragua.