The Foreign Minister of Uruguay began a ten-day official visit to China on Sunday. CGTN's Feng Yilei reports.

Uruguayan Foreign Minister, Rodolfo Nin Novoa, met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday. Rodolfo's ten-day visit includes the signing of a series of documents with the Chinese government regarding trade and the Belt and Road Initiative. As the first South American Common Market member country that signed the memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, Uruguay intends to be a pivot point of cooperation between China and Latin America.

RODOLFO NIN NOVOA MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF URUGUAY "Uruguay considers China to be a good friend. We've made great achievements in deepening cooperation in trade, culture and technology."

Both sides have agreed to strengthen cooperation and oppose protectionism. The two countries will work together to protect an open global economy and the interests of developing countries.

2018 marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Uruguay and China. The Chinese Foreign Minister spoke highly of Uruguay's strategic decision to strengthen ties with China.

WANG YI CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER "This is the year for us to carry forward our cause and forge ahead into the future. We will further sum up the experience of thirty years of ties and plan for the next step and key areas of cooperation."

FENG YILEI BEIJING "This is the Uruguayan Minister's third visit in two years. The high-level visit represents the growing relationship between the two countries. In the next few days, the celebration of 'Uruguay Week' in Chinese cities of Beijing, Chongqing and Guangzhou will further promote the Latin American country among Chinese people. Feng Yilei, CGTN, Beijing."