Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Lima on Thursday to pay a state visit to Peru and attend the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. During his visit, President Xi held talks with his Peruvian counterpart, President Dina Boluarte, with both leaders expressing a strong commitment to enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Peru.
President Xi emphasized that China is ready to work with Peru to push their partnership to a new level for the betterment of both peoples. He noted that as ancient civilizations, China and Peru share a deep historical wisdom that enables them to navigate the direction of history and follow the trends of the times.
“The profound accumulation of ancient civilizations has endowed China and Peru with wisdom and minds, enabling us to see the direction of history and follow the trend of the times,” Xi said during the talks.
Highlighting the strong ties between the two nations, President Xi pointed out that over the past 53 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Peru relations have maintained positive development. “Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, the volume of trade between China and Peru has increased by 1.6 times since 2016, and the investment stock of Chinese enterprises in Peru has doubled,” he said.
One significant milestone in their cooperation is the completion of the upgrading of the China-Peru Free Trade Agreement, which has delivered tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.
President Xi called for further strengthening of trade and investment ties, promoting cooperation in traditional and emerging industries, and enhancing the integration of industrial and supply chains. He expressed optimism about the broad prospects for cooperation between the two sides, urging efforts to improve the quality and effectiveness of bilateral practical cooperation.
He also highlighted the importance of cultural exchanges, noting that China cherishes its traditional friendship with Peru. He appreciated that the Peruvian Congress has designated every February 1 as Peru-China Fraternity Day, and expressed willingness to deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture, art, education, and cultural heritage preservation.
A key highlight of the visit was the joint attendance by President Xi and President Boluarte at the inauguration ceremony for the Chancay Port via video link. Xi described Chancay Port as a successful project within the Belt and Road Initiative, stating that it serves as a starting point to forge a new land-sea corridor between China and Latin America.
“China is willing to take Chancay Port as a starting point to forge a new land-sea corridor between China and Latin America, linking the Inca Trail and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road, and opening up a path of common prosperity for Peru and other Latin American and Caribbean countries,” Xi said.
President Boluarte welcomed President Xi’s visit, stating that it marks an important milestone in the bilateral relationship and opens a new chapter in the comprehensive strategic partnership. She expressed belief that Chancay Port will become a key bridge between Latin America and Asia, and an important driver of Peru’s economic growth.
“It will vigorously promote connectivity and trade between Peru and other countries in the Latin American region, as well as with China and even in Asia, and contribute to the sustainable development of the two countries and the region,” Boluarte said.
She reiterated Peru’s firm commitment to the one-China principle and praised the two countries’ commitment to pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation and common development.
During the talks, President Xi emphasized that Asia-Pacific economies are deeply integrated, and enhancing solidarity and cooperation serves the common interests of the Asia-Pacific family and the Global South. He voiced China’s full support for Peru’s role as host of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and expressed readiness to work with all parties to promote the success of the meeting.
Xi added that China is willing to continue strengthening communication and collaboration with Peru within the framework of the China-Latin America Forum, contributing positively to the development of China-Latin America relations.
Reference(s):
Xi eyes new stage of China-Peru comprehensive strategic partnership
cgtn.com
