Chile's foreign minister Roberto Ampuero has arrived in Shanghai for the first China International Import Expo (CIIE), just days after his South American nation became the latest country to sign on to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 

On Sunday, Ampuero told CGTN his government is looking for a very close relationship with China.

"This is a very important step, another step in the relations of both countries. The initiative opens for both countries a new frame of cooperation. And we are looking forward to improve these relations, especially working on infrastructure," he noted.

"But we consider the relations between China and Chile not only as commercial for trade relations, we are working with China together in having integral relations, also in terms of culture, and tourism, and science and technology.  All this, I think, will be made easier thanks to the framework of the initiative of the Belt and Road." 

The two countries are marking near half a century of relations. Ampuero visited Beijing back in September, and met then with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. 

Next year, Santiago, the capital and largest city of Chile, will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).