China, Colombia sign five cooperative documents

China and Colombia signed five documents in Beijing Wednesday to cement their cooperation in the areas of plant and animal quarantine, information and telecommunication, film exhibition, economy and technology.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with visiting Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Velez during a welcoming ceremony held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing April 6, 2005.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Velez witnessed the signing of three agreements and two memorandums of understanding.

Hu Jintao proposed, during hour-long formal talks prior to the signing, that the two sides should strengthen governmental, parliamentary and party-to-party exchange and promote cooperation in areas of energy, petrochemicals, light industry, mechanical and electronics sectors.

In addition, Hu said, China and Colombia should expand exchange in cultural, educational, scientific and technological fields and enhance cooperation on regional and international occasions like the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, World Health Organization and the Organization of American States.

China and Colombia established full diplomatic relations 25 years ago. Colombia has supported China on the issues of Taiwan and human rights on many occasions.

Uribe arrived here Wednesday morning for his first state visit to China and said he fully agreed with Hu's comments and proposals.

The Colombian side has a strong desire to develop political, economic and cultural cooperation with China. The country hopes to strengthen cooperation in areas of trade, investment, energy, textile, agriculture animal husbandry and tourism, said the Colombian president.

Uribe thanked China for its support and assistance, and pledged to uphold the one-China policy and support China's reunification.

Prior to his China tour, Uribe told the press that his government values economic and trade cooperation with China and welcomes more investment from China in petroleum, coal, textile and farm irrigation.

Uribe's entourage includes several cabinet ministers and businessmen. Besides Beijing, he will also visit Shanghai.