Colombian President Ivan Duque will start his four-day visit to China from today. Duque says he wants to attract Chinese investment to his country. CGTN's Michelle Begue has the details.  

Colombian President Ivan Duque says his upcoming trip to China celebrates nearly four decades of bilateral relations between Colombia and China. He last visited the country in 2005 as a civilian, studying China's plans for social and economic transformation.

IVAN DUQUE PRESIDENT OF COLOMBIA "So today when I look back and I see what China has consolidated all of the things that were part of that agenda has happened and the trade between Latin America and China has expanded a lot and even the trade between Colombia and China has also expanded a lot. So I look back and I look forward. And I think this is the opportunity for Colombia to consolidate a market, bilateral relations and also promote Chinese investment in our country."

The Colombian president will visit cities including Shanghai and Beijing where he will attend several economic forums. Duque hopes to speak with entrepreneurs, business leaders and government officials who are interested in exploring investments in Colombia.

Colombia has made international headlines for its peace deal signed with Colombian rebels in 2016. President Duque ran as a hardliner who would toughen up its terms during his presidency. Right now the biggest challenge for Colombia, according to the United Nations, is the reintegration of former rebels into civilian life.

IVAN DUQUE PRESIDENT OF COLOMBIA "The zero tolerance framework is very important so that we give the right message; those who are really and genuinely making the process into legality they have the support of the Colombian state but those who want to go back to criminality will face an exemplary punishment from Colombian institutions."

Colombia continues to look for economic support from the international community for its post-conflict era. But during his visit to China, Duque says he will also be looking for diplomatic support. When he meets with President Xi Jinping, Duque says he hopes to talk about the role of China in Latin America, including hotspots like Venezuela.

IVAN DUQUE PRESIDENT OF COLOMBIA "How we can talk about some of the situations we are living in Latin America and how China can be part of the solution if China work hand in hand with Latin American countries, and by that I have a special consideration for the migration crisis are we are suffering."

Duque is set to begin his three-day visit to China on Monday. Michelle Begue, CGTN, Colombia.