Xi vows 'new stage' for ties with Colombia

President Xi Jinping said on Friday that he will work with his Colombian counterpart to promote the China-Colombia relationship in order for it to enter a new historical stage.

He made the remark when exchanging congratulatory messages with Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the countries.

Over the past 40 years, Xi said in his message, China and Colombia have adhered to the principles of mutual respect, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development.

The two sides have deepened political mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation, as well as maintained the positive momentum of development in bilateral relations, the president said.

According to Xi, he and his Colombian counterpart have had candid and friendly exchanges and reached an important consensus during Duque's state visit to China in July last year. The visit injected fresh impetus into the long-term development of bilateral relations.

Xi said he highly values this relationship and stands ready to work with Duque to further promote it, guiding the ties into a new stage in history.

High appreciation

In his message, the Colombian president said he highly appreciates and sincerely thanks China for its important contribution to his country's economic and social development through the bilateral cooperation they enjoy.

His state visit to China had brought a new driving force to advance their friendly bilateral cooperation in such areas as politics, economy, society and culture, he said.

On behalf of the Colombian people, Duque reiterated that he will continue to work with Xi to plan for a roadmap that will guide the further development of China-Colombia relations over the next 40 years in order to benefit the people of both countries.

Duque was elected Colombia's president in June 2018, for a four-year term. His state visit to China last year was the first under his presidency.