BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao said here Wednesday that China attaches great importance to developing relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries.

    While addressing Argentina's Congress, Hu said that as developing countries, China and the Latin American and Caribbean nations should strengthen cooperation to meet new challenges in a complex and constantly changing international environment.

    The cooperation, the president said, is not only in the interests of individual countries, but is also conducive to world peace and development.

    In a relatively long term, Hu said, China will continue to focus on its modernization drive, and this will offer a precious opportunity for mutually beneficial cooperation with the Latin American and Caribbean nations which have great potential for development.

    Hu arrived here from Brazil on Tuesday for a state visit to Argentina, the second leg of his four-nation tour which also includes Chile and Cuba. Enditem