China, Chile vow to protect free trade, open market

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Chilean counterpart Roberto Ampuero said they will protect multilateralism and global free trade in a statement made in Beijing on Friday.

The two officials who met in the Chinese capital also expressed the two countries' willingness to promote their comprehensive strategic partnership.

They said that all countries should join hands to cope with protectionism and unilateralism and safeguard the international order.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Chilean counterpart Roberto Ampuero in Beijing on Friday on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. /CGTN photo

Wang Yi highly praised the friendship between China and Chile and said that China is willing to have more high-level talks, as well as people-to-people exchanges.

He added that China supports Chile in holding the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2019 and will provide positive help.

Roberto Ampuero said that the year 2020 will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and Chile will work with China to promote bilateral cooperation.

Chinese and Chilean foreign ministers vowed to safeguard free trade and open market during a meeting in Beijing on Friday. /‍CGTN photo

He also said that Chile supports China's Belt and Road Initiative, saying only through opening-up, can China and Chile have fast and healthy development.

He praised the first China International Import Expo to be held in Shanghai and said that Chile will actively participate into the event.

Both sides also agreed to upgrade the free trade agreement between the two countries.