国内英语新闻:China, Uruguay aim to boost trade, inter-parliamentary co-op

BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- China and Uruguay voiced commitment to further develop cooperation on trade and investment and boost exchanges between the parliaments of the two countries.

    When conferring with the visiting Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez here Tuesday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called on the two nations to exert joint efforts to address the challenges posed by the current global financial crisis.

    China and Uruguay should take effective measures to achieve a diversified and balanced two-way trade structure and expand mutual investment to raise bilateral economic and trade cooperation to a higher level, Wen said.

    The Chinese Premier also pledged that China would intensify the dialogue and communication with the Common Market of the South and join hands with Uruguay and other countries to develop the Latin American market for mutual benefit.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2009

"It's not only conducive to resolve the current difficulties, but also helpful to inject new vigor for South-South cooperation," Wen noted.

    Vazquez said Uruguay is willing to make concerted efforts with China to expand cooperation, cope with the global financial crisis and oppose trade protectionism.

    He proposed the two sides develop new ideas and new approaches to forge new cooperation with mutual benefit.

    In his meeting with Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo, Vazquez said Uruguay would focus on cooperation with China in such fields as dealing with the international financial crisis, climate change and utilization of new and recycled energies.

Wu Bangguo (R Front), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, meets with Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez (L Front) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2009

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, said legislatures of the two countries have increased exchanges in recent years and played an active role in increasing mutual understanding and the development of bilateral ties.

    He said the NPC is willing to work with Uruguay's parliament to develop exchanges and cooperation in various fields and make new contributions to the development of bilateral ties.

    At the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, Vazquez arrived in Beijing Saturday morning for a six-day state visit.

Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, meets with Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2009

Vazquez left Beijing Tuesday evening and arrived in China's economic powerhouse Shanghai for a visit.

    This is President Vazquez's first visit to China since he took office in 2005