Chinese Vice President Xi Jimping, today called for Latin America and Caribbean countries to be “partners” in political, economic and cultural affairs within a framework of “mutual respect and trust.”

From the headquarters of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Xi said that both parties have maintained good coordination and communication in international affairs and global issues.”

“Politically, China, Latin America and the Caribbean should be partners who treat each other with respect, sincerity and mutual trust,” said the vice president, “China and the region must be partners in mutually beneficial win-win cooperation.”

Recalling that China promotes mutual export of high value added products, Xi said that “we will continue encouraging Chinese enterprises to increase investments and business in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

China “will support Latin American and Caribbean countries to play a bigger role in international affairs to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries,” he concluded.

The ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena, also urged to advance relations between China and the region,