Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said on July 31 that China is willing to make joint efforts with Latin- American countries to explore new areas of cooperation in trade and economic sectors.
He made the remarks in a meeting with foreign ministers of Columbia, Mexico and Chile of the Rio Group. Guillermo Fernandez de Soto of Columbia, Rosario Green of Mexico and Soledad Alvear of Chile arrived in Beijing on on July 30 for a seven-day official visit to China.
Zhu said the first group visit of the three foreign ministers to China marks the 10th anniversary of relations between China and the Rio Group. This will accelerate the long-term and sound development of Sino-Latin American relations.
On Sino-Latin American trade and economic cooperation, Zhu said both countries has witnessed steady development in recent years, thanks to the joint efforts of both sides.
Zhu noted that China and Latin America have massive potential in trade and economic cooperation as they have similar development goals and are complementary in natural resources.
The three foreign ministers said their first group visit to China has fully demonstrated the great importance the Rio Group attaches to its relations with China.
The guests said their ongoing visit will enhance cooperation between the Rio Group and China in politics, trade, economy and social affairs, and will also help explore new possibilities of cooperation in science, technology and information.
(Xinhua)
