Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe during their meeting in Lima, capital of Peru, Nov. 22, 2008. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Photo Gallery>>>

    LIMA, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao said China is ready to work with Colombia to deepen practical cooperation in various fields and bring more tangible benefits for the two peoples.

    Hu made the remark in his meeting with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe in the Peruvian capital of Lima on Saturday on the sidelines of the 16th Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

    China and Colombia has registered new development in their relations with closer exchanges of visits between the two governments, political parties and legislatures and strengthened mutual political trust in recent years, Hu said.

    The two countries have continued to broaden their cooperation in such fields as trade, culture, education, science and technology, he said, adding that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of its relations with Colombia.

    Hu put forward a four-point proposal for developing bilateral ties, including deepening political relations, strengthening practical cooperation, broadening cultural and civilian exchanges, and boosting cooperation in international and regional affairs.

    China is willing to maintain the momentum in high-level contacts and strengthen dialogue and exchanges between the two countries' governments, political parties and legislatures to exchange views on important issues of common concern, President Hu said.

    Hu said China would also consider increasing imports from Colombia to realize a balanced rise in bilateral trade, adding that the Chinese government would continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Colombia and provide support to cooperation of the two countries' enterprises in such areas as infrastructure construction, agriculture, telecommunications and energy.

    China would continue to support the two countries in holding cultural activities and cooperation in culture and tourism to promote the mutual understanding and friendship between the two sides, Hu said.

    President Hu said China understands and supports Colombia's bid to join APEC and is willing to maintain communication with the South American nation over the issue.

    President Uribe voiced his hope that the two countries could strengthen high-level contacts and consolidate mutual trust.

    After the meeting, the presidents also attended a ceremony in which the two governments signed an agreement of bilateral investment protection to create better environment for the two sides to develop economic ties. 

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