Chinese premier calls for closer cooperation with Argentina

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Monday that China is ready to further strengthen cooperation with Argentina to enrich their strategic partnership.

Wen made the remarks in a meeting with Argentine Vice President and President of the Senate Amado Boudou and President of the Chamber of Deputies Julian Dominguez. Dozens of other lawmakers also attended the meeting.

Wen said that, as a major Latin American country, Argentina is a nation abundant with natural and human resources and that China and Argentina share growing mutual interests and have broad prospects for friendly and mutually-beneficial cooperation.

China attaches great importance to Argentina's significant influence in international and regional affairs, Wen said.

He added that China would like to take the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-Argentina diplomatic ties to strengthen high-level exchanges with Argentina, enhance their political mutual trust and promote pragmatic cooperation.

China, he said, also expects the two sides to keep close coordination on major international issues, deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology and tourism among others, so as to continue to enrich their strategic partnership.