President Hu Jintao put forward four suggestions for advancing relations between China and Bolivia in the new century today.

 

Hu raised the propositions during a meeting with visiting Bolivian President-elect Juan Evo Morales Ayma in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing this morning.

 

Hu said the two countries should increase high-level contact by expanding friendly exchanges between governmental departments, legislatures and political parties. He said the two countries should continue to share mutual understanding and support on issues concerning fundamental interests of the two nations.

 

Hu also proposed that the two countries should deepen economic cooperation and trade by exploring new possibilities of expanding cooperation in such areas as investment and trade. He said China will encourage strong and prestigious Chinese companies to invest in Bolivia and welcome Bolivian companies to do business in China.

 

Hu said China and Bolivia should expand cooperation in such areas as culture, education, science, technology and medical service, thus promoting dialogues and exchanges between different civilizations and enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

 

Hu said the two countries should strengthen cooperation on international and multilateral affairs and jointly safeguard the rightful interests of developing countries so as to promote peace, stability and development of the world.

 

The Chinese government places great importance on developing relations with Bolivia, Hu said. He said China is ready to join efforts with Bolivia to promote friendly and cooperative bilateral relations to a new level and bring benefits to both countries and their people.

 

Morales agreed with Hu's proposals on expanding bilateral relations. He expressed the wish to further expand trade between the two countries and increase Bolivia's exports to China. He welcomes Chinese companies to invest in Bolivia and take part in the country's economic development. Bolivia is ready to carry out friendly exchanges with China in all fields and strengthen consultation and cooperation on international affairs.

 

Hu congratulates Morales on being elected as President of Bolivia and warmly welcomes him to visit China shortly after the election.

 

Hu said relations between China and Bolivia have been growing smoothly on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-existence since the two countries established diplomatic links 21 years ago. The two countries have established political mutual trust and treat each other as equals, Hu said. They have carried out mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation in the economic field. The two countries have understood and supported each other on international and multilateral affairs, Hu said.

 

Morales said the Bolivian people regard China as a trust-worthy friend and partner. He said expanding relations with China will be a priority among the policy goals of his presidency. The Bolivian government and himself will work for further deepening friendly cooperation with China and realizing common development, Morales said.

 

Morales reiterated that Bolivia will firmly adhere to the one-China policy.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2006)