This weekend, Chile hosts the second Ministerial Meeting of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States forum known as CELAC. Experts say boosting cooperation on China's Belt and Road Initiative is likely to be at the heart of the discussions. CGTN's Joel Richards is in Santiago.

JOEL RICHARDS SANTIAGO "The official photo is scheduled for Monday morning here in Santiago. The question is what statement will come from the second ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC forum, taking place in Chile. The central issue at this meeting will looking at how this region of Latin America and the Caribbean fits in to China's Belt and Road Initiative."

Most analysts agree that there is a complementary relationship between China and this region - China is able to offer expertise on major infrastructure projects which would help countries this side of the Pacific expand production in many sectors, like the agricultural sector. It is also a key aspect of countries in this region adding value to its raw materials. The first ministerial meeting was held in 2015 in Beijing and now Chile is hosting this year. Chile was the first in the region to establish diplomatic ties with China and China is Chile's largest trading partner.

JOEL RECHARDS SANTIAGO "China Foreign Minister Wang Yi will be attending the China- CELAC meeting and afterwards, he continues on an official visit here in Chile before traveling to Uruguay. Joel Richards, CGTN Santiago."