President Xi delivers speech to Mexican Senate

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech to the Senate of Mexico. Under the theme of 'Seeking Development to Create a Better Future', President Xi emphasizes the importance of enhancing friendship and expanding cooperation.

An unprecedented opportunity to further advance bilateral relations, President Xi says he and his Mexican counterpart Enrique Pena Nieto have decided to elevate the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. And to do that, the two should treat each other as equals and enhance strategic coordination.

Xi Jinping, Chinese President, said, "Our two countries should enhance communication on our development strategies, follow through on the Joint Action Program, build on our cooperation in traditional areas such as mining, agriculture and communications, and at the same time vigorously expand cooperation in energy, transportation, infrastructure, high technology and emerging sectors."

The Speech comes after the two sides signed a joint declaration early Wednesday.

Xi says China will sign contracts to buy more than 1 billion US dollars worth of Mexican products. He's also said the number of scholarship places for Mexican students to study in China will be increased to 300 over the next three years from the current 40.

Pena Nieto says the new agreements are aimed at balancing trade between the two nations. He's said Mexico hopes to become a "platform" for Chinese companies to trade with other nations in the region.

China-Mexico relations have been developing fast since the two countries became strategic partners in 2003.

China is Mexico's second largest trading partner, while Mexico is China's second biggest trading partner in Latin America. Last year, two-way trade stood at 36.7 billion US dollars.