Chinese President Jiang Zemin said that the Chinese government attaches importance to Sino-Chilean relations and will continue to keep high-level exchanges of visit and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields and at different levels, so as to raise bilateral relations to a new high in the new century.
Jiang made the remark here Thursday afternoon in a meeting with President Andres Zaldivar Larrain of the Chilean Senate, and they had a friendly conversation.
Jiang recalled his visit to Chile at the beginning of April, pointing to the warm reception he had from the Chilean government, parliament and people, and his deep impression left over by Chilean rich natural resources and people's hospitality.
He noted that Chile has scored remarkable achievements in recent years in economic development and social progress and played a positive role in international affairs, and he expressed his appreciation for this.
Jiang also said that Chile is an important cooperative partner of China in Latin America.
He went on to say that the Chinese side is delighted to see that exchanges and cooperation between the two parliaments have continued to develop, which has played a positive role in pushing forward the development of bilateral relations.
The Chinese side appreciates Zaldivar's long-lasting enthusiasm in promoting bilateral relations, added Jiang.
Zaldivar stressed the importance of Jiang's recent state visit to Chile, which he believed would facilitate the development of Chile-China relations in the new century.
Zaldivar described his ongoing China visit as impressive, noting the great changes that have taken place since he came here in 1985.
He expressed pleasure at China's sustained economic development and the constant improvement of the people's living standard, and wished the Chinese people will score even greater achievements in the new century.
Zaldivar conveyed Chilean President Ricardo Lagos Escobar's greetings to Jiang, who expressed his appreciation and asked Zaldivar to pass on his regards to Lagos in return.
Jiang said he is looking forward to Lagos' visit to China when he comes to Shanghai for the ninth informal leadership meeting of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) scheduled for October.
Zaldivar is visiting China as guest of Chairman Li Peng of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.
(Xinhua 04/26/2001)
