Deepening cooperation historical choice for China, L. America: FM

It is a historical choice for China and Latin America to deepen their bilateral cooperation, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Saturday.

Wang made the remarks as he ended his week-long Latin America tour, which took him to Cuba, Venezuela, Argentina and Brazil.

"What impressed me most during the trip is that China and Latin America are highly complementary in their development. They are natural partners and can realize common development and prosperity," Wang said.

"Some friends suggest re-understanding Latin America. I agree with this viewpoint," he said. "It's historically inevitable for China and Latin America to strengthen cooperation."

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, during her meeting with Wang on Saturday, said Brazil and China are important strategic partners with high political mutual trust, remarkable cooperation achievements and broad consensus on international affairs.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brazil and China.

Rousseff said Brazil will use this opportunity to upgrade bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership by maintaining high-level exchanges, broadening economic and trade cooperation as well as cooperation in such areas as infrastructure construction, energy, agriculture, aerospace, technology, information and education.

Wang said China values Brazil's important position and role in regional and international affairs.

The two sides should well prepare for high-level exchanges this year, which will provide important guidance on bilateral ties, he said.

China and Brazil should give full play to their complementary advantages, build long-lasting cooperative partnership from a strategic perspective, deepen pragmatic cooperation and realize common prosperity, Wang said.

The inauguration of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) forum this year will create new prospects for China-Latin America relations, he said.

The two sides should make joint efforts for the success of the sixth summit of BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Wang said.