Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has expressed confidence in more future cooperation and closer relations between his country and China.

In an exclusive interview before his first official visit to China, Uribe said China's economic boom is a great opportunity for Colombia as well as to the world as a whole.

In the past two decades, China, which has made enormous progress in economic development, has become a powerhouse for the world economy and set a good example for other countries around the globe, said Uribe, who will be accompanied by over 160 Colombian businessmen during his four-day China tour which starts on April 6.

There is a great potential for cooperation between Chinese companies and their Colombian counterparts, said Uribe, adding that he will chair a forum for Chinese and Colombian entrepreneurs.

The forum will serve as a bridge linking the business communities of the two countries and promote cooperation to a new level, said the president, who took office in August 2002.

Uribe said his government attaches great importance to bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy and trade and welcomes more investment from China in petroleum, coal, textile and farm irrigation.

He also hailed political and cultural relations between the two countries since the two countries established diplomatic ties 25 years ago.

The relationship has been solid in the field of politics thanks to the exchange of visits by high-ranking officials and the two countries have supported each other in international affairs, said Uribe.

Exchanges in culture and science and technology have increased and understanding and friendship between the two peoples have deepened, said the president.

On China's newly approved Anti-Secession Law, he said he understands and respects it, adding that the two countries enjoy mutual trust.

He pointed out that bilateral ties will be boosted further on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Uribe is also scheduled to visit Japan on April 10-12 before returning to China to attend the economic forum on April 13.