Visiting Mexican President Vicente Fox Quesada said Wednesday that his country and China have mutual interests and goal and that the relations between the two nations are more closer than ever before.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of an ancient Mexican civilization exhibition in Beijing, titled "Mysterious Maya", Fox disagreed with the view that Sino-Mexican relations are impeded by the Pacific.

He said it is the Pacific, instead, that linked the two nations, which have mutual interests and goal, together.

China is very important to Mexico, he said, adding that Mexico regards China as an important partner for dialogues on the international stage and attach great importance to the friendly relations of cooperation between the two countries.

Fox said that both countries, which have inherited ancient civilizations, boast a long history and glorious traditions.

China's old, energetic and continuing culture has great influence not only on Asia but also on the whole world, Fox said.

The terra-cotta warriors show held in Mexico last year and the ongoing "Mysterious Maya" exhibition in Beijing represent both countries' hope to bring closer Sino-Mexican relations, the president said.

Sun Jiazheng, the Chinese Minister of Culture, who also attended the opening ceremony, said that China and Mexico has maintained good relations and traditional friendship ever since the 16th century.

China has always paid great attention to cultural exchanges with Mexico and the two civilizations would bring the friendly relations and cooperation between the two nations to a new stage, Sun said.

(Xinhua 06/07/2001)