Ambassador says China values ties with Chile

China has highly valued its ties with Chile, which it has taken as one of its diplomacy's priority countries in Latin America, Chinese Ambassador Yang Wanming said Wednesday.

Bilateral relations "are entering a new stage," Yang said during an event marking the third anniversary of the Confucius Institute at Chile's Catholic University.

He lauded the "historic" visit by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to Chile in June, saying it helped build consensus on expanding and deepening the relations between the two countries, which set a goal of doubling bilateral trade volume to 60 billion U.S. dollars by 2015.

Yang made a four-point proposal to boost bilateral strategic cooperation.

Firstly, the two countries should maintain frequent contacts at different levels to promote mutual political confidence and friendship.

China aims to strengthen its coordination and cooperation with Chile on multilateral and global issues, Yang said. "We will do the same on the topic of establishing a China-Latin America Cooperation Forum."

Secondly, Yang proposed establishing and improving bilateral cooperation mechanisms. In this regard, the China-Chile Bilateral Business Council plays a positive role, he said.

Thirdly, the two countries should deepen economic and trade cooperation.

The Chinese ambassador urged the two sides to sign the Supplementary Investment Agreement, and called for an early start of talks on cutting double taxation so as to provide a better legal framework to investors.

Fourthly, Yang recommended the two societies boost their friendship, saying there was extensive cooperation among the numerous universities in both countries.

The Chinese government has showed interest in promoting cultural exchanges with Chile, and will offer more grants to Chilean students, he noted.