CPC official hails China-Colombia relations

BOGOTA - Bilateral relations between China and Colombia have been in a good shape and China is committed to developing closer ties with the Latin American country, Li Changchun, a visiting senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said here on Sunday.

The two countries have seen their relations advancing in all aspects, said Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, in a written statement issued upon his arrival for an official visit to Colombia.

"Colombia is an important country in South America, which is rich in natural resources and has a diligent people. There have been frequent high-level visits between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations 32 years ago. Bilateral trade is increasing, while cultural exchange is flourishing," he said.

Li said his visit is aimed to strengthen dialogue, improve mutual trust and enhance cooperation between the two countries.

"Both China and Colombia are developing countries. It is in line with the fundamental interest of both countries to further deepen cooperation in every area," he said. "I am looking forward to exchanging views with Colombian leaders on bilateral ties as well as global and regional issues of common concern."

During his two-day visit, Li is scheduled to meet Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Senate President Juan Manuel Corzo and Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin. The two countries are expected to sign a series of agreements on cultural and economic cooperation.

Li arrived in Bogota after wrapping up a four-day visit to Canada, the second leg of his four-country tour, which has already taken him to Britain and will take him to Indonesia.