Xi urges closer ties with LAC nations

China, Latin America and Caribbean relations entering new era of development

President Xi Jinping has called for stronger ties between China and Latin American and Caribbean countries, saying Beijing will continue to help them overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and realize socioeconomic recovery.

Xi made the remark on Saturday in a video speech delivered at the 6th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which was held in Mexico City. His speech came at the invitation of Mexico, which this year holds the rotating presidency of the regional bloc.

"China is willing to work with the Latin American and Caribbean countries to overcome difficulties together and jointly create opportunities for each other to build the China-CELAC community with a shared future," Xi said.

He said that 10 years ago, CELAC was born under the efforts of Latin American and Caribbean countries pursuing independence and seeking strength in unity, which was a milestone in the process of regional integration. Over the past decade, CELAC has played an important role in maintaining peace and stability and promoting common development in the region, he added.

China attaches great importance to developing relations with CELAC, and supports it in coordinating regional countries to carry out cooperation and cope with challenges, said the president.

In July 2014, Xi attended the China-Latin America and the Caribbean Summit held in Brasilia, capital of Brazil. He and the leaders of the Latin American and Caribbean countries jointly announced the establishment of the Forum of China and CELAC, which has developed new ways for comprehensive cooperation between the two sides.

Xi hailed the flourishing development of the forum over the past seven years, saying it has become a major platform for bringing together friendly people from all walks of life in China and Latin American and Caribbean countries, and has made important contributions to deepening China-CELAC relations.

Xi stressed that, having stood the test of the changing international landscape, China-CELAC relations have entered a new era featuring equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and tangible benefits for the people. "China-CELAC friendship is time-honored and deeply rooted in the hearts of the people," he said.

Xi mentioned the countries' joint fight against the COVID-19 pandemic since last year, saying that facing the unexpected outbreak, China and Latin American and Caribbean countries have lent each other a helping hand and carried out all-around cooperation against the novel coronavirus.

"China will continue to provide support to Latin American and Caribbean countries to the best of its capability, and help the regional countries overcome the pandemic at an early date and resume economic and social development," Xi said.