Xi, Petro exchange congratulations on 45 years of China-Colombia ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Colombian President Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego on Friday exchanged congratulations on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Xi pointed out that over the 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia, the two sides have always been guided by the principle of equal treatment and mutual respect, and have pushed forward the development of bilateral relations.

Recalling Petro's state visit to China in 2023, Xi said he and the Colombian president had fruitful talks and jointly announced the two countries had established a strategic partnership, which has ushered the China-Colombia relationship into a new era.

Stressing that Colombia is an important country in Latin America and noting it will take over the presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) this year, Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Colombia relations, and is willing to work together with the Colombian president to promote the deepening of the China-Colombia strategic partnership, and join hands to build a China-Latin America community with a shared future.

Petro said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Colombia and China, the development of bilateral relations has achieved fruitful results for the benefit of the people in the two countries.

The two countries have exchanged frequent high-level visits, vigorously promoted bilateral cooperation in various fields and facilitated mutual understanding between the two peoples, he said.

The Colombian president also voiced willingness to work with China to jointly promote global issues of common interest, such as world peace, energy transition and combating climate change.