CRI听力:China and Ecuador Forge Strategic Partnership

Reporter:
Chinese President Xi Jinping says the partnership has been formed as the two countries move to create new developments across a range of different sectors.

In drawing up the partnership agreement, Xi Jinping says the two sides need to create more exchanges on a government and legislative level, while at the same time, expand cooperation in areas including energy, mining, agricultural technology and infrastructure.

The collaborative document also includes proposals to increase cultural exchanges and cooperation in international organizations.

For his part, Rafael Correa says the new partnership contains opportunities for both countries.

"China has the capital that Ecuador desperately needs for its development. Meanwhile, Ecuador can provide resources and energy for China's development. President Xi Jinping once said that he hopes to turn "Made in China" into "Created in China". Innovation is our future. Personnel, technology and the spirit of innovation are the keys to such change. We agree with President Xi Jinping on this front, and hope we can have further cooperation in this regard."

This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Ecuador.

Rafael Correa is the first Ecuadorian leader to visit China.

The two leaders have also overseen the signing of cooperation deals in areas including education, technology and finance.

This follows on the heels of China and Costa Rica agreed to set up a strategic partnership on Tuesday.

Xi Jinping and Costa Rican president Luis Solis have also agreed to begin work on a 5-year collaboration plan running from 2016 to 2020.

"This should be based upon seven pillars: infrastructure, investments, agriculture, security, services, finances, and economic zones and energy. I see then lots of space for growth in the future."

Solis has also promised easier access for Chinese tourists.

He says Costa Rica also wants to work more closely with China on issues such as climate change and reforming the United Nations.

Both Rafael Correa and Luis Soils are in Beijing to attend the first-ever China-CELAC forum later this week.

CELAC is the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, which represents 33 different states in South America and the Caribbean.

For CRI, I'm Min Rui.