Chinese, Chilean presidents agree to boost cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Brasilia on Wednesday with his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet and the two agreed to further deepen bilateral economic cooperation and political coordination. [Special coverage]

Describing China and Chile as strategic partners with a broad future, Xi said he is willing to maintain contact with Bachelet, promote bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and deepen practical cooperation in line with each other's development plan.

The two sides should set up a permanent inter-governmental committee as soon as possible, formulate a joint action plan, maintain smooth operation of the China-Chile free trade zone, and promote trade growth and structural diversification, Xi said.

The Chinese president urged the two countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation in such fields as mining, agriculture, clean energy, finance, investment, technology and interconnection, and boost cultural, educational, tourist and sub-national exchanges.

The two countries, Xi added, should also enhance coordination under such multilateral frameworks as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Meanwhile, Xi expressed his appreciation of Chile's important contribution to promoting the overall China-Latin America cooperation, and conveyed the hope that Chile will continue to play a positive role in the development of China-Latin America ties.

For her part, Bachelet said that Chile is pushing forward reform and development and that strengthening cooperation with China is a priority in Chile's foreign policy.

The Chilean side wishes to enhance exchanges and communication with China, and deepen bilateral cooperation in such fields as trade, people-to-people exchanges and education, she added.

The Chilean president also said her country welcomes more Chinese involvement in Chile's infrastructure construction, which will help promote regional inter-connection.

Chile, she said, is willing to deepen cooperation with China on UN, Antarctic, and other affairs and in the fight against global challenges.

Bachelet added that she looks forward to traveling to China in November for the APEC leaders' meeting, with the aim of further promoting bilateral cooperation and Asia-Pacific integration, and that her country is ready to help further beef up Latin America-China cooperation.

Xi is in Brasilia for a state visit to Brazil, where he has taken part in the sixth summit of the emerging-market bloc of BRICS and is also scheduled to attend a China-Latin America summit.

Brazil is the first leg of Xi's ongoing Latin America tour, which will also take him to Argentina, Venezuela and Cuba.