China, Chile to advance comprehensive strategic partnership

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Chile was the first South American country to establish diplomatic ties with China, and China looks forward to advancing bilateral relations a step further, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday when meeting with Chilean President Sebastian Pinera.

The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, held in Papua New Guinea's capital city of Port Moresby.

The Chinese president first congratulated Pinera on his second term as Chile's top leader, expressing hope to see the two countries create a new prospect on their comprehensive strategic partnership, which was established in 2016.

As both governments have signed an inter-governmental agreement on the Belt and Road Initiative, China and Chile should next set up key areas and projects to accomplish proposed plans as soon as possible, President Xi stressed, highlighting the importance of a bilateral cooperation mechanism.

Xi proposed holding a series of celebrations as the year of 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Chile diplomatic relationship.

China is willing to step up cooperation with Chile in areas like technology and Antarctic affairs, he added.

For his part, Pinera said the relationship between Chile and China remains firm and powerful.

China is Chile's number one trading partner. The updated free trade agreements also expand cooperation between the two sides.

Chile is willing to strengthen ties with China, Pinera said, specifically in areas like trade and investment, infrastructure, and technology. He vowed to protect multilateralism and global free trade, along with China.

(With inputs from Xinhua News Agency)