China and Peru yesterday inked nine documents intended to boost bilateral cooperation during Peruvian President Alan Garcia's ongoing visit in Beijing.

The documents, which cover various fields, including energy, mineral exploitation and export quarantine, were signed after President Hu Jintao's meeting with his Peruvian counterpart at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu said there was "good momentum" in China-Peru relations during the talks and called for the two sides to deepen communication between legislatures, ruling parties and among high-level officials.

He also said the two countries should push forward free trade area negotiations and boost cooperation in various fields, including agriculture, poverty relief, culture and space technology.

Following a visit to Japan, Garcia arrived in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon to kick off his four-day state visit here. He is the first foreign head of state to meet Hu after he was reelected president of China on Saturday.

"People have long dreamed of finding a magic and mysterious window through which we can step into the future," Garcia said. "Every time I come to Beijing, I can see tremendous changes taking place here and really feel that I can touch the future."

Garcia said Peru welcomed Chinese investment and pledged to provide a good environment for investment and development for Chinese enterprises.

He reiterated that the Peruvian government resolutely adheres to the one-China policy and opposes any separatist and rebellious acts.

Garcia added that Peru publicly and clearly opposes Taiwan's referendum on a UN membership, saying it will jeopardize peace and stability around the world.

(China Daily 03/20/2008 page3)