Chinese, Uruguayan Vice-Presidents Hold Talks

Chinese, Uruguayan Vice-Presidents Hold Talks

Vice-President Hu Jintao said on November 8 that China highly values friendship and cooperation with Uruguay, and is willing to work with Uruguay to promote bilateral relations of equality, mutual benefit and all-round cooperation oriented towards the 21st century.

He made the remarks during talks with Uruguayan Vice-President Luis Hierro.

The fact that Hierro's visit to China is taking place only shortly after he assumed office reflects the importance attached by the Uruguayan government to developing relations with China, Hu said. He also said that bilateral relations have been developing steadily since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1988, adding that high-level exchanges of visits have been frequent, and bilateral cooperation in economic, trade and other areas has expanded.

He said that the two countries share the same or similar views on many major international issues, and they have always supported each other with sincere cooperation in the international arena.

The Chinese government speaks highly of Uruguay's adherence to the one-China policy, and is grateful for its understanding and support to China on the issues of human rights and China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), Hu said.

Agreeing with Hu's comments on bilateral relations, Hierro, also president of Uruguay's National Congress, said that various circles in Uruguay have a friendly sentiment toward China. Hierro also said that frequent high-level exchanges of visits in recent years pushed forward Sino-Uruguayan economic and trade cooperation, adding that his country is satisfied with the growth of bilateral relations.

He reiterated that Uruguay will continue to pursue the One-China policy, and firmly support China's early WTO entry.

He said that Uruguay places great importance on developing relations with China, and regards its relations with China as one of its foreign affairs priorities, and will make efforts to boost bilateral cooperation.

During the talks, the two vice-presidents exchanged views on their domestic situations, and the situations in Asia and Latin America.

Hu also praised Uruguay's progress in promoting economic growth and social development since the new government was formed, and wished for the Uruguayan people to achieve even more success in national development under the leadership of Uruguayan President Jorge Batlle and the new government.

Prior to the talks, Hu presided over a welcoming ceremony in honor of Hierro, who began his China tour on November 5.