Xi and Petro sign cooperation agreements

Chinese President Xi Jinping told his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro, that raising bilateral relations to the category of strategic partnership is “the result of long-term efforts” as well as “a reflection of mutual trust”.

After talks held by both in Beijing today, the two leaders signed a series of documents on bilateral cooperation in industrial investment, trade, digital economy, green development, agriculture, science and technology, education, culture and other areas, the ministry said. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement, without further details.

“Our relations have always maintained a good momentum of development. The two sides understand and support each other on issues involving mutual core interests and major concerns. Cooperation in various fields has made solid progress,” Xi said during the meeting.

He added that the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Colombia It is “the result of many years of efforts and a reflection of the mutual trust and cooperation of the two parties”.

“It is necessary that both parties value it and continuously enrich and develop it,” he said.

Likewise, the Chinese leader emphasized that Beijing supports Bogota in exploring “an independent development path that adapts to its national conditions.”

“China supports the Colombian peace process and hopes that Colombia will soon achieve a comprehensive, lasting and sustainable peace,” he said.

“The two sides should optimize their bilateral trade structure and strengthen cooperation in information communications, digital economy and other fields,” added Xi, who promised “the entry of more Colombian products into the Chinese market.”

“We can also share ‘green’ development opportunities and strengthen cultural exchanges, strengthen bilateral cooperation in law enforcement or in areas such as drug control and the fight against transnational crime.”

Likewise, Xi congratulated Colombia on assuming the rotating presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States in 2025.

“China attaches great importance to the development of Sino-Latin American relations and we will work to make the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-CELAC Forum next year a great opportunity and promote the long-term stability and development of China-China relations and the region,” he added.

For its part, Petro said, according to a statement distributed by Chinese authorities, that Colombia is willing to “align its regional strengths and development strategies with the New Silk Roads initiative and strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, clean energy and other fields.”

“We welcome the investments of Chinese companies in Colombia, but we are looking for a more balanced development of bilateral trade relations,” he said.

Petro indicated that Colombia is willing to maintain communication with China “on the situation between Palestine and Israel” and other issues of international interest, and that it is “trying to find a solution to end the war as soon as possible.”

The Colombian president, who has been on an official visit to China since Tuesday, also met today with officials from China Harbor Engineering Company, in charge of building the first metro line in Bogota.

The construction of the metro in Bogotá is the subject of controversy between the president and the mayor of the capital, Claudia López. and around which polemics have been raging for years due to the different views of the mayors in power regarding its construction.

After contacting the company, Petro laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Mao Zedong, located in Tiananmen Square.