Agriculture key in Sino-Bolivian talks

President Xi Jinping (L) hosts a welcoming ceremony for Bolivian President Juan Evo Morales Ayma at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, June 19, 2018. Xi Jinping held talks with Juan Evo Morales Ayma on Tuesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

China upholds an open attitude on importing more agricultural and livestock products from Bolivia, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.

Xi made the remark while meeting with Bolivian President Evo Morales at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two leaders signed a joint declaration to establish a China-Bolivia strategic partnership and witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in such areas as building the Belt and Road.

The two countries should enhance pragmatic cooperation, connect their development strategies under the Belt and Road framework and jointly build a new cooperation mode covering investment, trade and service areas, Xi said.

Xi pointed out that since China and Bolivia established diplomatic ties 33 years ago, the bilateral relationship has been at its best.

China appreciates Bolivia's firm adherence to the one-China policy, positive response to the Belt and Road Initiative and great efforts to deepen relations with China, Xi said.

China would like to take the opportunity to establish the China-Bolivia strategic partnership, deepen cooperation in all areas and push the bilateral relationship to a new level, Xi added.

Xi stressed that China and Bolivia should be good partners with mutual political trust, firmly support each other on issues related to their core interests and major concerns and enhance communication of all levels.

Both China and Bolivia are ancient civilizations, and the two nations should learn from each other and seek solutions using the wisdom of their ancestors to resolve current problems, Xi said.

Xi called on the two countries to be strategic partners of multilateral cooperation and continue to coordinate their stance on major international issues including sustainable development and climate change.

The two sides should join hands to safeguard the interests of developing countries, jointly build a new type of international relations with the characteristics of mutual respect, fairness and win-win cooperation, and work together to build a community of a shared future for mankind, Xi said.

China has been pushing cooperation with Latin American countries, and the Belt and Road has provided a new platform for China-Latin America cooperation, Xi added.