During their talks, Xi stressed the importance of bilateral relations, which celebrates 35 years this year.

The Chinese president recalled that both nations are commemorating the fifth anniversary of Uruguay’s joining the Belt and Road Initiative and the 30th anniversary of the visit of former President Lacalle Herrera, father of the incumbent Uruguayan president, whom Xi described as an old friend of the Chinese people.

“Both China and Uruguay uphold the spirit of unity and fraternity. They have always adhered to mutual respect, equal treatment, and mutually beneficial cooperation in the last 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, despite the different national conditions of the two countries,” he stressed.

Xi pointed to the two countries’ support and solidarity in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the current official visit to China, the Uruguayan delegation, which includes some 40 business representatives, seeks to sign a new protocol on meat exports, among other things.

jg/iff/oda/idm