Chinese, Colombian Vice-Presidents Hold Talks

Hu Jintao Welcoming Bell

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Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao said Tuesday China attaches great importance to developing long-term, stable, equal, and mutually-beneficial relations with Colombia.

In talks with Colombian Vice-President Gustavo Bell Lemus, He said China is willing to work with Colombia to push the bilateral friendly cooperation to a new high in the new century.

He said the bilateral ties have been progressing steadily since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 21 years ago.

He added that the bilateral cooperation in various areas has been expanding.

China and Colombia hold the same or similar views on major international issues, Hu said, adding that the two countries have had good cooperation in international issues.

China is satisfied with the development of bilateral ties, Hu said.

Bell said his government also attaches great importance to its relations with China, and will join hands with China to push forward the bilateral cooperation.

On bilateral trade relations, Hu said the trade volume between the two sides has been on the rise, and the bilateral economic and technological cooperation has been fruitful.

He said the two economies complement each other, and there is great potential for bilateral cooperation.

China will take an active part in promoting bilateral trade and



other forms of cooperation, Hu said, stressing that he hopes the two countries will further explore new channels of cooperation.

Bell noted that the Colombian government supports China's entry



into the World Trade Organization and welcomes more Chinese investment. He said Colombia wishes to be a bridge for China to enter the Latin-American market.

Hu said China appreciates Colombia's achievements in various sectors in recent years and its ever-increasing role in regional and international issues.

Bell reiterated that Colombia sticks to the "one-China" position, and supports China's complete reunification. Colombia also understands and supports China's views on the human rights issue, he added.

Hu said China appreciates Colombia's "one-China" position, and its understanding and support for China on the human rights issue.

Bell congratulated China on its achievements in the reform and opening up drive, saying the success of China's economy shows that



China has chosen a correct road of development.

He said he hopes the two countries will learn from each other.

On international situation, Hu pointed out that the multipolarization of the world and economic globalization are further deepening. He said the multipolarization demonstrates the reality of the variety of the world's civilizations, and conforms to the principle of the democratization of international affairs. Economic globalization has brought both opportunities for development and grave challenges, Hu said.

Under the current situation, sovereignty equality and non- interference into each other's domestic affairs are not out-dated. Instead, they should be the basis of the new international political and economic order, Hu said.

China is willing to work with all nations, especially the developing countries, to push forward the development of the multipolarization of the world and eliminate the imbalance and injustice brought by economic globalization, Hu said.

Bell said the two countries do have broad agreements on international issues, and have been cooperating well with each other, a situation with which his country is satisfied.

He said he hopes the two countries will continue to strengthen consultation and cooperation in this regard.

The Colombian government also maintains that the world should be a multipolar one, and multipolarization is conducive to the peace and stability of the world, Bell said.

After the talks, the two leaders attended the signing ceremony for an agreement on gratis aid to the Colombian government from China.

Prior to the talks, Hu held a welcoming ceremony for Bell.