CRI听力:China, Ecuador agree to jointly build Belt and Road

China and Ecuador have signed a cooperative document in Beijing to jointly build the Belt and Road and draw the two countries into a closer relationship.

The signing was overseen by President Xi Jinping and his Ecuadorian counterpart, Lenin Moreno.

Xi Jinping said Ecuador is welcome in the Chinese market and to share the opportunities provided by China's development.

He reiterated China never attaches any political strings to its financial cooperation with a foreign country.

The Chinese president highly appraised the development of bilateral ties.

"Ecuador is a reliable friend and partner of China. During my visit to your country in 2016, the two sides established a comprehensive strategic partnership, ushering in a new chapter in bilateral relations. China cherishes the outcomes of our progressing relationship and has always considered our bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective. The joint press communique to be released will signal the determination of Mr. President and I to guide a steady development of the ties between our countries."

Xi Jinping also called on the Ecuadoran side to better protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses.

He also urged both sides to uphold multilateralism, promote the reform of the global governance system, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

Moreno said the Belt and Road will connect the two countries in a closer manner.

He welcomed and thanked China's financial support that boosts his country's infrastructure.

The president also said Ecuador hopes to expand exports to China, host the China-Latin America business summit, and make exchanges with China in the field of innovation.

Department Head Zhao Bentang of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs says the newly inked agreement will further promote cooperation.

"The two heads of state have reaffirmed commitement to deepen cooperation and endorsed the document on the consturction of the Belt and Road. The two sides will jointly promote cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, information technology and new energy and explore new financing cooperation modes through consultation."

More than 140 cooperative agreements on the joint construction of the Belt and Road have been signed between China and other countries or international organizations.

Ecuador is the 16th country in Latin America to sign the document.