China is willing to develop friendly relations and expand mutual trust and cooperation with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean region, Chinese vice president Zeng Qinghong said in Beijing Monday.

Zeng made the remark during a meeting with Peruvian Foreign Minister Manuel Rodriguez Cuadros.

Zeng said China and Peru are developing countries and members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC), and share extensive common interests.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Peruvian counterpart Alejandro Toledo Manrique met at the APEC meeting not long ago, and they reached consensus on enhancing the bilateral ties, Zeng said.

He noted China values its relations with Peru, and is willing to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation for mutual benefit and common development, and work for closer cooperation in international affairs.

He expressed gratitude for Peru's support to China on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights.

Rodriguez said Peru and China have enjoyed traditional friendship, and the two countries have maintained good political and economic relations since they forged diplomatic ties in 1971.

He reaffirmed Peru will adhere to its one-China stance, and will enhance cooperation with China in economic, cultural and tourism fields.

(Xinhua News Agency December 14, 2004)