In talks with visiting Argentine President Fernando de la Rua, Jiang said that he is delighted to meet De la Rua again in Beijing after their previous meeting at the UN millennium summit not long ago.

De la Rua said that China is the first country apart from America to which he has paid a visit since becoming president of Argentina.

He said that Argentina and China enjoy a traditional friendship, adding that he himself has a friendly sentiment towards China.

Jiang said that bilateral cooperation has been expanding since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1972.

He pointed out that the two sides have maintained frequent contact and have deepened mutual understanding and trust especially in the past decade. He added that the trade between the two countries has also risen and bilateral economic cooperation has been fruitful.

On international issues, the two countries have supported each other and have cooperated well, Jiang noted.

"We are satisfied with all this," Jiang said.

The Chinese President noted that Argentina is a big country in Latin America and plays an increasingly important role in international affairs.

China and Argentina, both developing countries in Asia and Latin America respectively, have common interests and similar stances on many major international issues, according to Jiang.

He said that he hopes the two countries will proceed from a strategic height and join hands for the establishment of a comprehensive Sino-Argentine cooperative partnership towards the 21st century.

On economic and trade cooperation, Jiang said that bilateral trade has been progressing well in recent years. He added that Argentina is one of China's major trade partners in Latin America.

The two economies complement each other, Jiang said, adding that potential trade between the two countries is great.

Jiang said that he hopes business people in both countries will increase contact and exchange to realize the potential in bilateral trade. China welcomes Argentine investment, especially Argentine entrepreneurs' participation in the development of China's western areas, Jiang said.

China has carried out positive cooperation with Argentina in the areas of fishery, motorcycles and home electrical appliances, Jiang noted, adding that China expects to expand cooperation in these areas.

De la Rua said that he agrees with Jiang on his comments on bilateral relations and economic cooperation.

He noted that soon after he became the Argentine president, he proposed to develop a more friendly relationship with China, adding that his current visit is the first step towards that goal.

Both Argentina and China are engaged in economic development and improving the living standards of their peoples, the Argentine president said.

There are many opportunities in bilateral trade, he said, adding that he hopes more Argentine business people will come to China and more Chinese enterprises will invest in Argentina to establish joint ventures in his country. De la Rua said that Argentina and China have many things in common in international affairs and have supported each other.

He pointed out that both countries are engaged in maintaining peace in the world and observe the principle of respecting the sovereignty of other countries and not interferring in the internal affairs of other countries.

He said that he agrees with what Jiang said at the UN millennium summit.

He added that the two countries should further the mutual trust and cooperation.

The Argentine president noted that he is confident bilateral ties will progress even further, only when the two sides combine efforts with a practical attitude.

De la Rua reiterated that the Argentine government sticks to the "one-China" policy and supports China's full reunification.

Jiang reiterated that the Chinese government has always supported the Argentine people's claim to the sovereignty of the Malvinas Islands, and that he hopes Argentina and Britain settle the dispute as soon as possible through peaceful talks.

Jiang said that China has always attached importance to strengthening friendly cooperation with the nations in Latin America and the Caribbean. He expressed the hope that the mutually-beneficial cooperation between China and the countries in those regions will be furthered.

China is also willing to increase contacts with the South American Common Market and expand its cooperation with the market.

De la Rua said that the South American Common Market is interested in developing relations with China, adding that Argentina is willing to continue efforts pushing forward the relations between China and the Market.

De la Rua invited Jiang to visit his country next year. Jiang thanked him for his invitation and accepted it with pleasure.

After the talks, the two sides signed an agreement on cultural exchanges and geographic cooperation. The two presidents were present at the signing ceremony.

Prior to the talks, Jiang held a welcome ceremony for De la Rua.

(Xinhua)