China, Nicaragua keen to develop closer ties

Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the mutually beneficial nature and broad prospects of China–Nicaragua cooperation, saying that China is ready to consolidate mutual trust and continue to provide assistance to Nicaragua to the best of its ability.

He made the remarks in Beijing on Monday when meeting Presidential Advisor of Nicaragua for the Promotion of Investment, Trade and International Cooperation Laureano Ortega Murillo and Foreign Minister Denis Moncada.

Since the establishment of a strategic partnership in 2023, bilateral ties have entered a new phase, Wang noted.

In 2024, China–Nicaragua trade reached $1.252 billion, up 46.8 percent year-on-year, and the bilateral free trade agreement officially took effect on January 1.

China is committed to prioritizing key cooperation projects conducive to accelerating Nicaragua's independent development and supporting more Chinese enterprises to invest locally, Wang said, while expressing confidence in Nicaragua's continued commitment to a favorable business environment.

Wang stressed that China–Latin America and Caribbean cooperation is in nature South-South cooperation, not aimed at any third party, and free from external interference of a third party.

He expressed hope that the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum would meet its goals and open a new chapter for ties between China and the region.

Ortega said cooperation between Nicaragua and China has deepened since the resumption of diplomatic relations, showcasing mutual respect and equal treatment between large and small nations.

He reaffirmed Nicaragua's firm commitment to the one-China principle and opposition to unilateral tariff measures.

Nicaragua fully supports China's Belt and Road Initiative and its three global initiatives, which he said would promote global peace, security, stability and development.

He also voiced firm support for LAC–China cooperation and expressed confidence in the success of the upcoming ministerial meeting.