Premier Zhu Rongji met with visiting Argentine President Fernando de la Rua Thursday. Zhu said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to De la Rua's visit.

Chinese President Jiang Zemin had a very good talk with De la Rua Wednesday. Zhu said that the broad consensus the two sides have reached will forcefully push forward the bilateral relations of all-round cooperation.

De la Rua said that the purpose of his current visit to China is to deepen the friendship and promote the cooperation between the two countries.

He said that he has had wide contacts and exchanges with Chinese leaders and people from various circles during his stay in China.

The visit has been very fruitful, said the Argentine President. He said that he expects President Jiang to visit his country, adding that the visit will surely further the friendly cooperation between the two countries.

Zhu said that China and Argentina share many similarities in economic structure and the two economies complement each other.

China and Argentina are both developing countries and their economies have achieved rapid growth in recent years, according to Zhu.

The two governments will have to explore news types of bilateral cooperation while consolidating the traditional trade links, Zhu said.

De la Rua said that he agrees with Zhu and added that Argentina is willing to join hands with China to enhance the cooperation.

Zhu noted that the two countries have the same or similar views on many major issues and have maintained close contacts on international affairs.

China appreciates Argentina's support for China's entry into the World Trade Organization, Zhu said.

Premier Zhu said that the Chinese government is willing to expand the exchange and cooperation with Argentina in international and regional issues in a bid to promote peace and development of the world.

De la Rua said that he agrees that the two countries have a lot in common in international affairs.

He noted that all the members of the South American Common Market support China's early entry into the World Trade Organization. He added that Argentina is willing to make efforts to accelerate the process of China's entry into the world trade body.

De la Rua invited Zhu to visit his country. Zhu thanked him for the invitation and accepted it with pleasure.

Chinese Vice Premier Wu Bangguo also met with De la Rua this morning and the two attended a luncheon for Chinese and Argentine entrepreneurs.

(People’s Daily 09/15/2000)