Hu Jintao, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and also vice-president of China, made the remarks during a meeting with PPD President Guido Girardi Lavin, who has been visiting China since Monday.

Chile was the first country in South America to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1970. Hu noted that senior leaders of the two countries have kept close contacts, and bilateral relations have evolved well.

Hu said China highly appreciates the Chilean government's consistent adherence to the one China policy, and thanks it for its understanding and support to China on such issues as human rights.

Chilean President Ricardo Lagos Escobar visited China in 1998 as leader of the PPD and the Socialist Party (PS) of Chile. The heads of state of China and Chile met recently during the informal leadership meeting of the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation.

The CPC is ready to continue its friendly cooperation and exchange with the PPD and make joint efforts for the growth China-Chile relations, Hu said.

Girardi said Chile was also the first among Latin American nations to sign a bilateral agreement with China concerning China' s accession to the World Trade Organization. He said to consolidate and develop friendly relations with China and the CPC is a firm policy of the Chilean government and the PPD.

He said he hopes China can consider Chile as a bridge to strengthening its political and economic relations with Latin America, and therefore make closer contacts and cooperation with Chile.

(Xinhua 11/30/2000)