Wang Yi: China, Bolivia should guard common interests of Global South

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Bolivian counterpart on Sunday that the two countries should firmly safeguard the common interests of the Global South and advance cooperation and strategy coordination.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda in Beijing, who is visiting China from April 28 to 30.

During their talks, Wang said consolidating and developing the China-Bolivia strategic partnership is an established policy of the Chinese government and the countries' friendly ties have effectively promoted the development, revitalization and industrialization of Bolivia.

Next year will be the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bolivia. Wang said China is willing to work with Bolivia to take the opportunity to promote the China-Bolivia strategic partnership to a new level.

He stressed the importance of China-Bolivia cooperation, saying the two countries should continue to enhance cooperation between the governments, legislatures and political parties, and synergize development strategies. The two countries should also explore cooperation in new areas such as digital economy, plateau agriculture, information and communication, and green development, he said.

Wang added that China is willing to work with Bolivia and other Latin American and Caribbean countries to promote the building of a China-Latin America community with a shared future.

Noting China is an important strategic partner for Bolivia, Sosa expressed hope of upgrading cooperation with China in fields such as economy and trade and welcomed Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the country.

She also expressed firm support for the one-China principle and the global initiatives proposed by China, saying Bolivia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China on BRICS and at other multilateral occasions, and actively promote Latin America-China relations. 

After their talks, the two foreign ministers witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the foreign affairs academies of the two countries.