In his letter, the Asian president pointed out that in recent years bilateral relations have developed comprehensively and rapidly, while practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results with tangible benefits to the people of both nations.

In his opinion, the establishment of diplomatic ties between Beijing and San Salvador is in the fundamental and long-term interests of the two sides.

“I highly appreciate President Bukele’s firm adherence to the one-China principle, the great importance he attaches to the development of China-El Salvador relations,” Xi wrote.

The leader also expressed his readiness to work with the newly re-elected Central American president to strengthen strategic orientation, deepen cooperation in various fields and push ties to a new level.

China and El Salvador established diplomatic relations in August 2018, after that country broke ties with Taiwan.

During Bukele’s state visit to China in 2019, the two presidents agreed on non-reimbursable cooperation projects to El Salvador such as the construction of the National Stadium, the National Library and the water purification plant in Lake Ilopango.

According to official data, the trade volume between the two nations until November 2023 registered a 30% growth compared to 2018.

The two parties are currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement and there are several Chinese companies with a strong presence in the Central American country, including Huawei.

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