Outgoing Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on Wednesday met Chinese special envoy Yin Weimin, who is China's minister of human resources and social security.

Yin, who was invited to attend the inauguration ceremony of Chile's new president, conveyed warm greetings from Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao to Bachelet. He spoke highly of her contribution to the development of Chinese-Chilean relations.

On behalf of the Chinese government, Yin once again expressed condolences to Chile that suffered from a recent strong earthquake. He expressed the belief that the Chilean people will certainly overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes.

Yin said the Chinese side attaches importance to developing relations with Chile and is willing to work with the Chilean side to advance the comprehensive partnership of cooperation between the two countries into a new stage.

For her part, Bachelet asked the Chinese envoy to convey her greetings to Hu and Wen.

Hu extended condolences shortly after Chile was hit by the strong earthquake and the Chinese government provided emergency aid quickly, which demonstrated the deep feeling and friendship of the Chinese government and people to their Chilean counterparts, said Bachelet.

The outgoing president stressed that Chile and China are good friends, adding the Chilean side is ready to join efforts with the Chinese side to deepen bilateral and reciprocal cooperation in various sectors in a bid to upgrade the bilateral ties to a higher level.

Bachelet wished the upcoming Shanghai Expo a success and hoped to attend the opening ceremony.

Yin said she was welcome to visit China again at a convenient time.