China made a three-point proposal in Beijing Tuesday to foster growing ties with Uruguay.

 

"We should increase political mutual trust to consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations, give full play to the economic advantages of each other's economy and boost non-official and cultural exchanges to expand the humanitarian basis for bilateral relations," Vice President Zeng Qinghong proposed in a meeting with Julio Cardozo, president of the Chamber of Deputies of the National Congress of Uruguay.

 

Welcoming Cardozo on the 19th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Uruguay, Zeng said that China would make concerted efforts with Uruguay to promote the long-term, stable development of friendly and cooperative relations.

 

Zeng also briefed Cardozo on China's construction of a harmonious society.

 

Cardozo called China a "sincere friend" and "reliable partner" of the Uruguayan government, parliament and people, pledging that Uruguay would continue to create favorable conditions to cement cooperation with China in trade, culture and tourism.

 

Cardozo is on an official goodwill visit from January 7 to 15 at the invitation of Wu Bangguo, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2007)