Political Lens

Xi, Ecuadorian president exchange congratulations on 45th anniversary of ties

President Xi Jinping and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa exchanged congratulatory messages on Thursday, which marked the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Pointing out that China and Ecuador are comprehensive strategic partners, Xi said that bilateral ties have developed with good momentum over the past 45 years.

In recent years, the two countries have further consolidated their political mutual trust and conducted fruitful pragmatic cooperation, and the bilateral friendship has been rooted more deeply in people's hearts, Xi said.

The free trade agreement between the two countries, which has been successfully signed and has taken effect, has effectively upgraded trade cooperation and injected a new driving force into the ties between the two countries, the president said.

Noboa said Ecuador's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and the free trade agreement's taking effect have improved the well-being of people in both countries. He said Ecuador hopes to continue its close collaboration with China and deepen friendship, dialogue and cooperation.

Li calls for swift policy implementation, visible progress in key projects

Premier Li Qiang has called for swift policy implementation and visible progress in key projects to ensure a sound start of the nation's economic growth this year.

Li made the remarks on Thursday during a fact-finding trip to Jinan, Shandong province.

In Jinan, the premier surveyed a flagship store of e-commerce giant JD and listened to briefings on the province's efforts to promote the trade-in of home appliances.

He highlighted the significance of consumer goods trade-in programs in meeting the needs of the people for a better life, unleashing the potential of consumer spending and spurring industrial upgrading.

Li then inspected a vehicle charging and battery-swapping station, where he highlighted the need to move forward with development of charging and battery-swapping facilities, improve supportive policies and continue innovating services.

China Daily