Hu Jintao Holds Talks with Ecuadorian President Correa

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, 20 November, 2007

On the afternoon of November 20, 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa at the Great Hall of the People. Both sides exchanged in-depth views on developing China-Ecuador relations featuring long-term stability, equality, mutual benefit and all-round friendship and reached broad consensus.

During the meeting, Hu said since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1980, bilateral relations have been developing steadily, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples. Recent years have witnessed increasing high-level exchanges, frequent dialogue and contacts and fruitful cooperation in all areas, he said, adding that the two countries have also conducted sound coordination and cooperation on multilateral occasions and some major issues. Hu expressed gratitude for the adherence of Ecuador to the one-China policy and its staunch support of China's just position on the Taiwan question.

Correa said China has a time-honored history and is full of vigor and vitality and it has made enormous achievements in embarking on the path of development suitable to its national realities. Ecuador shares brotherly friendship with China, he said, expressing hope that both sides will show mutual understanding and learn from each other so as to push bilateral ties for new progress. He reaffirmed Ecuador would adhere to the one-China policy.

Hu put forward a four-point proposal to consolidate and advance bilateral friendly cooperative relations. First, maintain high-level exchanges and deepen political trust. He said China would encourage the bilateral cooperation between the governments, parties and legislative organs to promote all-round development of state-to-state relations. Second, expand economic and trade cooperation and seek common development. Hu said China would encourage more Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in Ecuador and participate in economic construction there. He also voiced the hope to enhance cooperation on agriculture, energy resources, infrastructure construction, finance and quality control. China welcomes Ecuadorian businesses to promote products and expand market in China. Third, deepen personnel exchanges and build up friendship between both peoples. Hu urged both sides to expand cooperation on education, culture, public health, science and technology, tourism and sports to cement the social basis of bilateral ties. Fourth, strengthen multilateral cooperation and safeguard common interest. Hu said China would like to maintain consultation with Ecuador in the multilateral arenas including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the Organization of American States, as well as on key issues involving countries' development interests. China is ready to conduct political consultations and cooperation with Andean Community to promote a just and reasonable international order, he added.

Echoing Hu's proposals on consolidating and advancing China-Ecuador friendly cooperation, Correa said Ecuador attached importance to Asia, closely watched China's development, and handled the bilateral relations from a strategic perspective. He emphasized that the two countries are highly complementary in economy and enjoy huge potential for cooperation. The president noted Ecuador would like to promote reciprocal cooperation and give full play to its role in linking South America and China together. He suggested both sides maintain consultation in the international affairs to push forward Ecuador-China ties.

Following the talks, the two heads of state jointly attended a signing ceremony of cooperation agreements concerning economy, technology and other areas.

Prior to the talks, President Hu Jintao hosted a welcoming ceremony for Correa's visit at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chairman Xu Jialu of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Abdul'ahat Abdulrixit, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic National Construction Association Chen Changzhi and Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo attended the ceremony.