Chinese, Argentine Presidents Hail Bilateral TiesArgentine President Fernando de la Rua hosted a state banquet this evening in honor of visiting Chinese President Jiang Zemin; the two heads of state hailed the growth of bilateral ties.A warm toast and harmonious atmosphere climaxed Jiang's state visit to Argentina following an event-packed day. In his speech, De la Rua said Jiang's visit followed his previous China tour only six months ago, a sign of the common aspiration to develop bilateral ties in all fields and combat challenges in the 21st century. He said Argentina expressed great interest in China's rapidly growing economy and the opening-up process. Thanks to their common political willingness, the importance of Argentine-Chinese relations was recognized. "We hope to firmly develop mutual cooperation," he said. In response, Jiang thanked De la Rua for his invitation. "I feel at home," he told some 300-odd Chinese and Argentine officials and celebrities attending the banquet. He spoke highly of the noteworthy achievements made by the Argentine people in safeguarding state sovereignty, building the country, and pursuing social progress in the past century, adding that China admired such an enterprising spirit. "I believe the Argentine government and people will definitely score new achievements in the new century under the leadership of President De la Rua," he said. Jiang reviewed the process of Sino-Argentine ties since 1972. The two countries expanded bilateral cooperation in many fields and enhanced people-to-people understanding, according to Jiang. "We also share quite a number of common views on major international issues," he said. The Chinese government and people attach importance to Sino- Argentine ties and the visit is aimed at strengthening exchanges, enhancing trust, promoting cooperation and pursuing common development, he said. "I believe the visit can advance our ties," Jiang was quoted as saying. |
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