Xi Jinping: Advance China-El Salvador cooperation steadily and rapidly

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Although it has only been two months since China and El Salvador established diplomatic ties, exchanges and cooperation have been rolling out rapidly, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday, adding that it shows exactly that this is in line with the historic trend, as well as the fundamental and long-term benefits of both countries.

Xi made the remarks in Beijing during talks with his El Salvadoran counterpart Salvador Sanchez Ceren, who is paying his first state visit to China. During the visit, Sanchez will also attend the first China International Import Expo (CIIE).

In talks with Sanchez, Xi stressed that the decision to form diplomatic ties is in accordance with the international law and the UN Charter based on the principle of mutual respect, equal treatment, win-win cooperation and common development.

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He called for the expansion of bilateral cooperation in fields including trade and investment, infrastructure, tourism and human resources.

Xi also said China is willing to provide support to the Central American country on health, medical treatment, water supply and disaster prevention.

For his part, Sanchez confirmed his country's commitment to the one-China policy and its willingness to further develop bilateral ties with China.

Sanchez echoed Xi's proposal to strengthen cooperation in various areas, and promised his country's active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The El Salvadoran president spoke highly of the CIIE, saying it offers an excellent platform for his country to promote its products.

He also thanked China for its timely help in food assistance when El Salvador suffered from the hit of a drought not long ago.

After the talks, both leaders also witnessed the signing of a series of cooperative documents.

(CGTN's Zhao Yunfei and An Kun also contributed to the story.)