On October 30, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Argentine Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero in Rome.
Wang Yi said, China and Argentina are comprehensive strategic partners. Over five decades since the establishment of the diplomatic ties, China and Argentina have respected and treated each other equally, firmly supported each other on issues concerning respective core interests. Bilateral relations have withstood the test of the changing international landscape, and always maintained sound and steady development. Both sides have advanced smooth progress in practical cooperation, and the traditional friendship has been enhanced in the joint fight against the pandemic. Taking the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties next year, China will leverage the mechanisms such as the inter-governmental permanent committee and the strategic dialogue for economic cooperation and coordination to host the Year of China-Argentina Friendship and Cooperation, and create brighter prospects in bilateral relations.
Wang Yi said, China appreciates Argentina's active response to the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative, and is willing to work with Argentina to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation as soon as possible, and further synergize development strategies. Both sides need to enhance cooperation in fields such as financing, energy and mineral resources, and electric power, and expand cooperation in new areas such as aerospace, communications, Antarctic and ocean. China will continue to provide Argentina with vaccines and medical supplies to help the country secure an early victory over the virus.
Wang Yi stressed that, both China and Argentina are firm supporters of multilateralism and common champions of the interests of developing countries. China stands ready to maintain close communication and coordination with Argentina in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations (UN) and the Group of 20. China welcomes Argentina to actively participate in the Global Development Initiative and inject new impetus into the accelerating realization of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Cafiero said, Argentina and China enjoy a long history of friendship. Argentina thanks China for supporting its safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, and providing assistance for Argentina's fight against COVID-19. Argentina firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is willing to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties to deepen practical cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, water conservancy and finance. Argentina attaches great importance to the BRI cooperation and the "Global Development Initiative" proposed by President Xi Jinping, and stands ready to strengthen synergy with China.
The two sides also exchanged views on deepening China-CELAC cooperation and other issues of common concern.
