MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chinese Vice-president in Argentina to strengthen long-term strategic partnership

Vice President Li Yuanchao, the first member of the new Chinese leadership to visit Argentina

China is determined to advance in mutually beneficial cooperation with Argentina visiting Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao said on his arrival on Thursday to Buenos Aires. He underlined that the new Chinese leadership will continue to perceive and develop bilateral relations from a long-term strategic perspective.

China and Argentina have maintained frequent high-level exchanges, strengthened political mutual trust and advanced cooperation in many areas such as the economy, trade, investments since the establishment of diplomatic relations 41 years ago and more specifically since the establishment of the strategic partnership in 2004, said Li in a written statement.

“I am looking forward to exchanging views with Argentine leaders on bilateral relations and issues of common concern,” Li said, who also voiced confidence that, with concerted efforts, his visit would achieve the goal of closer friendship, mutual trust, expanding cooperation and promoting development.

The Chinese vice president is on a four-day visit to Argentina at the invitation of Amado Boudou, his Argentine counterpart and president of the Senate.

In Beijing the Foreign ministry underlined the significance of Vice-president Li Yuanchao's visit to Argentina and Venezuela, the first to be conducted by one of China's new leaders.

During the visit, Li will hold talks with Argentine Vice President and President of the Senate Amado Boudou, as well as meet with President Cristina Fernandez and the President of the Chamber of Deputies Julian Dominguez. A number of agreements related to law enforcement, trade and investments will be signed.

From Argentina Li travels to Venezuela (May 12 to 16), where he will be holding talks with his peer Jorge Arreaza, as well as meet President Nicolas Maduro and National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello.

China and Venezuela established a strategic partnership of common development in 2001. “China expects Li's visit to boost bilateral relations and further advance cooperation”.