Separate bilateral meetings with the presidents of Mexico and Peru
Promise to cooperate with Mexico following agreement between US and China to crack down on drug raw materials
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with leaders of Central and South American countries, including Mexico and Peru, at the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit on the 16th (local time) to discuss expanding exchanges and cooperation. In particular, at the meeting with Mexico, the two countries confirmed their intention to cooperate in cracking down on drug raw materials agreed upon at the US-China summit the previous day.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Xinhua News Agency, President Xi held a meeting with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and decided to strengthen cooperative relations between the two countries.
Citing the fact that the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership this year, President Xi evaluated that “mutual understanding and support on issues related to each other’s core interests and major concerns have become more solid.”
“China attaches great importance to the relationship between the two countries,” he said, adding, “We are ready to work to strengthen strategic synergy and elevate the relationship between the two countries to a new level.”
In particular, he said, “The two countries must deepen cooperation in traditional fields such as infrastructure construction and expand cooperation in emerging industries such as finance and electric vehicles,” and added, “We must deepen cooperation in drug law enforcement.”
He then emphasized, “We must strengthen multilateral cooperation and firmly adhere to multilateralism and democratization of international relations,” and “We must protect fairness and justice in international relations, and the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.” President Xi also expressed condolences over the recent hurricane disaster that struck the coast of Mexico and promised to provide relief supplies.
In response, President Lopez said, “Mexico and China both defend their own independence and resolutely oppose interference in the internal affairs of other countries,” and “We maintain a friendly policy toward China and firmly support it.” He also promised to “deepen cooperation in eradicating drug production and trafficking,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
On this day, President Xi also met separately with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte to discuss digital economy and green development projects and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as economy, trade, energy, and mineral resources.
President Xi evaluated that China and Peru, which established diplomatic relations 50 years ago, have further solidified the relationship between the two countries through cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative. He also said that in the future, he will import high-quality agricultural products from Peru and actively encourage Chinese companies to participate in major projects in Peru in accordance with market principles.
In addition, noting that both countries are the birthplace of ancient civilizations on both continents, he proposed revitalizing youth exchanges in the fields of education, culture, tourism, science and technology, and industry. China also announced its intention to support Peru as the host country for next year’s APEC summit.
Peruvian President Boluarte also announced that they have decided to increase the level of technological cooperation and research and development between the two countries in various fields, including the green economy. He also expressed his strong support for China’s ‘One China’ policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others reported.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.