Xi sends congratulations to 10th CELAC summit

President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the 10th summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, or CELAC, which opened on Saturday in Bogota, Colombia.

Xi said that since its establishment, CELAC has been committed to promoting peace, stability, development and prosperity in the Latin American and Caribbean region, injecting new impetus into the unity, cooperation and common development of the Global South.

In May last year, the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum was held successfully in Beijing, he noted.

Xi said he attended the opening ceremony of the forum and announced that China and LAC nations would jointly launch five programs on solidarity, development, civilization, peace and people-to-people connectivity. He added that he received a positive response from LAC countries.

Over the past year, China and LAC nations have worked together closely, advancing the steady implementation of the five programs and delivering tangible benefits to the people of both sides, Xi said.

He emphasized that China will always be a good friend and good partner of LAC countries, and will support them in safeguarding their sovereignty, security and development interests.

China stands ready to work with LAC countries to uphold international fairness and justice, and jointly write a new chapter in building a China-LAC community with a shared future, Xi said.

Colombia currently holds the rotating presidency of CELAC.

Xinhua