Beijing, November 22 (EFE). – The presidents of Uruguay, Luis Lacalle, and China, Xi Jinping, agreed today in Beijing to build a “comprehensive strategic partnership” between their countries as part of the Uruguayan president’s official visit to the Asian giant.
Xi assured at the start of the meeting that he was “ready to work with Lacalle” to “further advance friendly relations between the two countries,” state broadcaster CCTV reported.
“China and Uruguay have always adhered to mutual respect, equality and cooperation in their 35-year relations,” the Chinese president said, adding that “exchanges and cooperation in various fields between Beijing and Montevideo have flourished.”
He also recalled that during the Covid-19 pandemic “the two countries looked out for each other and fought with one heart” and assured that both peoples “honor the spirit of solidarity and brotherly love”.
The Chinese president also referred to the father of Uruguay’s current ruler and former president, Luis Alberto Lacalle de Herrera, whom he described as an “old friend of the Chinese people.”
Xi said deepening bilateral ties has become the “general consensus” of the societies of both countries, reported CCTV, which has not yet broadcast any statements from the Uruguayan president.
After the meeting, the leaders are expected to preside over the signing of several bilateral agreements, the contents of which have not yet been made public. Xi will then host a banquet in honor of the Uruguayan president.
One of the fundamental objectives of Lacalle’s visit is to advance negotiations to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) with China.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning announced at the start of the visit last Monday that Xi and Lacalle would have “an intensive exchange of views on issues of common interest” at the meeting.
Negotiations on the China-Uruguay Free Trade Agreement officially began in July 2022 after feasibility studies concluded, as the Uruguayan president stated at the time, “positively.”
According to data from the promotion agency Uruguay XXI, the Asian giant accounted for 28% of Uruguayan goods exports in 2022, reaching a value of 3.675 million dollars.
On the agenda of the third and final day of the road visit, tomorrow Thursday, are meetings with the Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and with the President of the National People’s Congress (Legislative), Zhao Leji, as well as their participation in the event Signing of an agreement between Uruguay XXI and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Foreign Minister Omar Paganini traveled to China with Lacalle; Economics and Finance, Azucena Arbeleche; Industry, Energy and Mining, Elisa Facio, and Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, Fernando Mattos, among other authorities.
He will also be accompanied by a delegation of around 40 Uruguayan businessmen who, according to the agenda, will address issues such as market access, investment, green economy, trade promotion and digital development.