国内英语新闻:Chinese vice premier vows closer cooperation with Columbia

BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Angela Holguin in Beijing on Tuesday, vowing to step up substantial cooperation with the country.

Calling Columbia an important country in Latin America, Li hailed the smooth growth of bilateral ties since the forging of diplomatic ties 32 years ago, citing improved political mutual trust, fruitful cooperation in trade, culture, education, technology and tourism, and sound coordination in global affairs.

"China has always been developing ties with Columbia from a strategic level, and hopes to work closely with the country to provide a secure, fair and predictable environment for enterprises," Li said.

Under the complicated global situation, the global status and role of Latin America is on the rise, the vice premier said.

As developing countries and important trading partners, China and Latin American countries enjoy broad common interests on major issues regarding world peace and development, he said.

Li called on both sides to further cooperation in various areas, expand trade and safeguard the interests of vast developing countries.

Holguin, for her part, said Columbia highly values its relations with China, and hopes to strengthen trade and personnel exchanges with the country.

Columbia is ready to offer secure and favorable conditions for Chinese companies in their investment and participation of infrastructure building in Columbia, she said.

Holguin is visiting China from Feb. 28 to 29 as guest of her Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi.