China's vice premier, Argentine president meet

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-13 17:19

BUENOS AIRES -- Argentine President Cristina Fernandez met with visiting Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu here on Thursday to discuss bilateral ties.

Hui said relations between China and Argentina have developed smoothly and mutual cooperation has been fast-growing since the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries.

The vice premier said Argentina plays an important role in Latin America, and that deepening China-Argentina relations not only conform to the fundamental interests of the two nations and their peoples, but also benefit world peace and development.

China is willing to work with Argentina to further strengthen political relations and high-level exchanges, promote trade and economic cooperation, enhance exchanges in technology and cultural fields and coordination in international affairs, he said.

Hui also expressed thanks for Argentina's support on the Taiwan and Tibet issues.

For her part, Fernandez described China as Argentina's strategic partner and a driving force for the world economy.

China is a major player in international affairs, which benefits the world as a whole, she said.

She said China presents a unique and valuable development model that is worth learning.

Fernandez said Argentina attaches great importance to its friendly cooperative partnership with China, and is willing to deepen and expand cooperation with the country and further enhance mutual support on issues concerning each's core interests.

Hui briefed Fernandez on measures China has taken to tackle the global economic turmoil, saying a steady and relatively fast growth in China is in itself an important contribution to maintaining world financial stability and economic growth.

To battle the economic crisis, the international community should step up cooperation, resist protectionism and safeguard the interests of developing countries, he said.

Fernandez spoke highly of the work China has done to address the economic downturn and to promote the development of the global economy.

Hui also expressed sympathies to the Argentine president for the serious floods that occurred in northern Argentina in late January.

Hui is paying official visits to Argentina, Ecuador, Barbados and Bahamas from February 7 to 19.