China and Peru signed in Beijing Thursday seven documents to boost bilateral cooperation on transportation, traditional medicine, education and tourism.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) hosts a welcome ceremony for visiting Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo in Beijing, capital of China, June 2, 2005.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo witnessed the signing ceremony after hour-long talks.

"The leaders of our two sides have maintained close contacts and the bilateral trade and economic cooperation also kept expanding," Hu told Toledo during their official talks.

China and Peru established diplomatic ties 34 years ago. In January of 2005, China and Peru announced to form a "comprehensive and cooperative partnership". Such a move indicated that the China-Peru relations "have ushered into a new a new phase," Hu said.

Hu said China and Peru supported and cooperated with each other in international and regional affairs. He also thanked Peru for its precious support to China on the Taiwan issue.

Toledo said Peru is satisfied with the smooth growth of bilateral ties. He said Peru fully acknowledges China's full market economy status, firmly abides by the one-China policy and supports China's just propositions in international affairs.

After expressing China's appreciation for Peru's support, Hu said China will keep high-level contacts with Peru and timely consult and coordinate with Peru on major issues of common concern.

On trade and economic cooperation, Hu said China wants to expand bilateral trade cooperation based on the principle of mutual-benefit and common development. Statistics show that China has become Peru's second biggest trade partner.

He suggested the two sides make full use of each side's advantages and improve cooperation in such areas as energy, mining, agriculture, transportation and infrastructure construction.

He hoped the two sides to properly handle trade and economic problems emerging from development through friendly consultation and mutual compromise so as to create favorable conditions for the enterprises of the two countries.

The Chinese president also suggested China and Peru deepen exchanges in culture, education, science and technology, and expand cooperation in space science and within the framework of the Antarctic Treaty.

"I believe that, with our joint efforts, the China-Peru comprehensive cooperative partnership will definitely produce fruitful results and bring benefits to the two countries and the two peoples," Hu said.

Toledo said the Peruvian and Chinese economies are compatible with the other. The mutually beneficial cooperation will help reduce poverty for the welfare of the two peoples.

Toledo's six-day state visit to China started Wednesday afternoon. During his stay, he will meet with other senior Chinese leaders, including China's top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao.

His will also visit Shanghai, Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, and Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province.

Source: Xinhua