China, Mexico called on to advance friendship

China and Mexico should continue to enhance exchanges, carry forward their friendship and take advantage of the highly complementary nature of their economies to advance pragmatic cooperation, President Xi Jinping said on Monday during a meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 19th G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was their first since Sheinbaum was sworn in as the first female president of Mexico in October.

Xi congratulated Sheinbaum on her election and described his visit to Mexico in 2013 as a "memorable experience". He called for allaround development of China-Mexico relations in the new era.

Noting that China and Mexico share similar views and ideas on many international issues, he said both countries advocate universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

China is ready to work with Mexico to uphold multilateralism, promote international fairness and justice, and inject positive energy into the development of the world economy, the Chinese president said.

Sheinbaum noted that although Mexico and China are geographically distant, they are closely connected. She acknowledged the significant presence of Chinese companies in Mexico, including their participation in critical infrastructure projects in Mexico City.

She extended her gratitude for China's generous and sincere assistance during Mexico's difficult times such as hurricanes, which she said is a testament to the enduring friendship between the two peoples.

Both Mexico and China are committed to upholding multilateralism, she said, adding that Mexico is willing to work with China to explore potential opportunities while further expanding cooperation in various fields.