Uruguayan president to pay state visit to China

(ECNS)-- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Uruguayan President Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou will pay a state visit to China from November 20 to 24, China's Foreign Ministry announced on Monday at a press conference.

It will be Lacalle’s first visit to China, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

During the visit, Xi will host a welcome ceremony and a welcome banquet for Lacalle. The two heads of state will hold talks to jointly blueprint the future growth of bilateral relations and have in-depth exchange of views on issues of mutual interest, the spokesperson said, adding that they will also jointly attend a signing ceremony of cooperation documents.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji will meet with Lacalle.

Uruguay is an important country in South America. China and Uruguay enjoy a profound traditional friendship.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Uruguay. Over the past 35 years, especially since the establishment of strategic partnership in 2016, bilateral relations have made good progress and delivered tangible benefits to both peoples.

China believes this visit will further consolidate our traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust, elevate practical cooperation to a higher level and bring our relations to new heights, Mao said.