Xi's visit to Mexico to further strengthen bilateral relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Mexico will further enhance mutual understanding and friendly ties between the two countries, Mexican Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Alberto de Icaza Gonzalez said here Friday.

Strengthening relations with China has always been one of the priorities of the Mexican government, Carlos de Icaza told a news briefing with Chinese journalists.

Mexico values Xi's visit, the official said, adding that the Chinese president is the first foreign head of state to pay a state visit to Mexico after Mexican President Pena Nieto took office in December.

Bilateral relations between China and Mexico are dynamic, De Icaza said, expressing confidence that Xi's visit will further strengthen the ties and cooperation in various fields.

Mexico has been working with China to build a more suitable, modern and agile framework of the bilateral relationship, he said, noting both Mexico and China are emerging markets that play an important role on the world stage.

De Icaza said Mexico and China have also been exploring ways to increase Chinese investment in Mexico.

He referred to Xi's visit as an opportunity to further review and have a fresh look at bilateral relations established over 40 years ago.

"We will wait President Xi with open arms. Your visit will contribute to a better mutual understanding between Chinese and Mexican peoples," he said.

The Chinese president is now in Trinidad and Tobago, the first leg of his three-nation Latin American tour, which will also take him to Costa Rica and Mexico.

Afterwards, Xi will fly to the U.S. state of California for a summit meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama on June 7-8 at Sunnylands, the Walter and Leonore Annenberg estate in Rancho Mirage.