Ambassadors from Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Cuba have told Xinhua that their governments are looking forward to President Hu Jintao's upcoming tour of Latin America.

 

The Foreign Ministry previously announced that Hu will visit the four countries from November 11 to 23 at the invitation of Presidents Luis Inacio Lula Da Silva, Nestor Kirchner, Ricardo Lagos Escobar and Fidel Castro Ruz respectively.

 

During the trip, Hu will also attend the 12th Economic Leaders' Meeting of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Santiago, the capital of Chile.

 

This year is the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Brazil-China diplomatic ties, so Hu's visit there has added significance, said Brazilian Ambassador Luiz Augusto de Castro Neves.

 

As two major developing countries, Brazil and China share similar opinions on many international issues, he said, noting that both attach great importance to relations with each other.

 

He added that, in 2003, Brazil-China trade volume went up 78.7 percent to US$7.99 billion, underscoring cooperation in the aviation industry and satellite manufacture.

 

In June, Argentina's president paid a successful state visit to China, said Argentine Ambassador Juan Carlos Morelli, expressing his belief that Hu's visit will enhance mutual understanding and trust.

 

Argentina would also like to enhance cooperation with China in energy. Morelli said that they welcome the investment of more Chinese petroleum enterprises. Trade volume hit US$3.176 billion in 2003, a rise of 122.9 percent.

 

Chile and China have worked together in politics, economy, trade and culture since their establishment of diplomatic ties 34 years ago, said Chilean Ambassador Pablo Cabrera.

 

Hu's visit will definitely boost cooperation and deepen the friendship between their peoples, he said. As members of APEC, they hope to sign a free trade agreement. Currently, China is the largest importer of Chilean copper and they have also formed a joint committee on mining.

 

Cuba and China share extensive common ground on a number of international issues, with exchanges in politics, economy and trade, culture, science and technology, and sports enhanced in recent years, said Cuban Ambassador Alberto Rodriguez Arufe. He went onto say that they could enhance cooperation in biotechnology, telecommunications, mining and petroleum.

 

All four ambassadors expressed their countries' expectation to expand cooperation with China in economy and trade and said they hoped to further promote tourist cooperation and launch non-stop flights at an early date.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 9, 2004)