Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Brazilian counterpart Luis Inacio Lula da Silva pledged Friday that China and Brazil will make joint efforts for expanding bilateral cooperation.

During their talks in the Brazilian capital of Brasilia, President Lula said that relations between China and Brazil have developed steadily in recent years and bilateral cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, trade, culture and international affairs has been fruitful.

He expressed his hope that the Sino-Brazilian strategic partnership would be strengthened further.

The Brazilian leader reaffirmed that his country will firmly maintain the one-China policy.

In response, Hu spoke highly of the fruitful cooperation between China and Brazil since the two countries established diplomatic ties 30 years ago.

The Chinese leader also praised the Brazilian government for sticking to the one-China policy.

During the talks, Hu made four proposals for strengthening bilateral ties.

Firstly, Hu said, the two sides should continue the exchanges of high-level visits and increase bilateral consultations.

Secondly, Hu said, the two countries should tap potentials for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation. He expressed his hope that the annual trade between the two countries could reach 20 billion US dollars in three years.

Thirdly, he said, the two sides should coordinate and cooperate in the work of international organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, to preserve the rights and interests of the developing countries and promote the development of all countries.

Fourthly, Hu said, the two countries should encourage exchanges of personnel in cultural, educational and social sectors to strengthen friendship, mutual trust and cooperation between the peoples of the two countries.

After their talks, the two sides signed a series of cooperation documents.

The Chinese president is on a state visit to Brazil, the first leg of his four-nation Latin-American trip. He will also visit Argentina, Chile and Cuba, and attend the Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) slated for November 20-21 in Santiago.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, in Brasilia, capital of Brazil, Nov. 12, 2004.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd R) shakes hands with Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, in Brasilia, capital of Brazil, Nov. 12, 2004.