国内英语新闻:Senior Colombian, Chinese officials discuss closer ties

BOGOTA, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Colombian Vice President Angelino Garzon on Tuesday met with visiting Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong to discuss the development of relations between their two countries.

Liu said the relations between China and Colombia had maintained a sound momentum of development since they forged diplomatic ties 30 years ago.

Exchanges and cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, education, technology and culture had yielded rich fruit, and the two countries had maintained coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, Liu said.

Both China and Colombia - two developing countries with extensive common interests - were shouldering responsibilities of economic development and improving people's livelihood, she said.

China cherished the friendship with Colombia and wanted to join Colombia in advancing their friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation, Liu said.

The Chinese state councilor also said exchanges and cooperation in the fields such as culture, education and technology had great potential for further development, which should be new spotlights in bilateral relations.

She called for continued strengthening of technological and educational cooperation and expanding cultural exchanges.

Garzon expressed his gratitude for the sympathy and condolences China had extended to Colombia over its severe floods.

China-Colombia ties were developing well, and Colombia highly valued its relations with China, he said.

Garzon also said the two countries had great potential in mutually beneficial cooperation, and Colombia was willing to expand cooperation with China in economy, technology, education and culture.

Colombia firmly adhered to the one China policy, he said.

After the meeting, Liu and Garzon attended a signing ceremony for cooperation agreements on education as well as science and technology.