President Jiang Meets Uruguayan Vice-President

Chinese President Meets Uruguayan Vice-President

President Jiang Zemin said November 9 that the Chinese government attaches great importance to developing relations with Uruguay and is willing to work with Uruguay to push forward bilateral ties.

Jiang made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Uruguayan Vice-President Luis Hierro.

He praised Uruguay's achievements in economic and social development and in promoting regional integration under the leadership of Uruguayan President Jorge Batlle.

He expressed the hope that Uruguay will achieve even more in the new century.

According to Jiang, bilateral ties have been progressing well since the two countries forged diplomatic relations 12 years ago.

The high-level visits have been frequent between the two sides and bilateral trade has continued to grow, he said, noting that the two countries have also started cooperation in the technology sector.

China and Uruguay hold the same or similar views and positions on many major international issues and have kept in close cooperation in the United Nations and other international organizations, Jiang said.

"We are satisfied with all this," Jiang said, adding that he appreciates Uruguay's "one-China" policy.

Hierro said he agrees with Jiang on his comments on bilateral ties.

He said that bilateral relations have been developing quickly in various areas and the understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries have been consolidated, adding that the two countries have also maintained close cooperation in major international issues.

He stressed that Uruguay is also satisfied with this.

China is a major trade partner of Uruguay, Hierro said, adding that he believes bilateral trade will grow even more in the future.

The government of Uruguay adheres to the one-China policy and supports China's reunification cause, he said.

Hierro congratulated China's notable economic achievements over the years, saying that China's development and advancement constitute an outstanding contribution to the mankind.

He said he hopes China will be even more prosperous in the future.

Jiang and Hierro also exchanged views on international issues of common concern.