VP's visit to advance ties with Argentina, Venezuela: spokeswoman

BEIJING, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Vice President Li Yuanchao's visit to Argentina and Venezuela will help advance bilateral relations between China and the two South American countries, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Thursday.

Hua said Li's visit to South America is the first to be conducted by one of China's new leaders.

Hua said Li will visit Argentina from Thursday to Sunday.

"The visit will be the first paid to Argentina by a Chinese vice president since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1972," she said.

During the visit, Li will hold talks with Argentine Vice President and President of the Senate Amado Boudou, as well as meet with President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and President of the Chamber of Deputies Julian Dominguez.

Hua said the leaders will sign a number of agreements related to law enforcement, produce trade and quarantining.

"We believe Li's visit will play an important role in advancing China-Argentina relations," she said.

China and Argentina formed a strategic partnership in 2004.

Hua said China-Argentina relations have maintained sound development momentum. The two countries have deepened mutual trust and reciprocal support regarding core issues, she said.

Hua said Li will visit Venezuela from May 12 to 16, adding that he will hold talks with Venezuelan Vice President Jorge Arreaza, as well as meet with President Nicolas Maduro and National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello. She said the two sides will exchange views on bilateral links and regional and international issues of common concern.

During the visit, the two sides will sign a number of agreements concerning inter-government cooperation, energy, mining and consulate affairs, she said.

China and Venezuela established a strategic partnership of common development in 2001.

"Since then, bilateral relations have seen sound and rapid growth," Hua said.

She said the two sides have maintained close high-level contact, deepened mutual trust and firmly supported each other on core issues.

The two countries have advanced cooperation in the areas of energy, finance and technology. They have also carried out sound cooperation on regional and international issues, Hua said.

"The Chinese side is expecting Li's visit to boost bilateral relations and advance cooperation," she said.

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