Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Relations, Patricia Espinosa
Cantellano, said in Beijing on Thursday that China is Mexico's
priority partner in the Asia-Pacific region.
"China is the priority partner of Mexico in the Asia-Pacific and
Mexico will make and carry out policies towards China on the basis
of this strategy," said Espinosa in a speech to the Chinese Academy
of Social Sciences.
Espinosa said China is Mexico's second-largest trading partner.
She said that trade imbalances are a big challenge, but a long-term
and strategic perspective should be taken on the bilateral trade
relationship.
She hailed the two countries' strategic partnership, which is
handled through a standing committee and a joint action plan,
saying that mutual political dialogue had reached a high level and
bilateral cooperation as increasing.
The two countries have had frequent bilateral visits this
year.
She said Mexico and China agreed on many multilateral issues,
including the reform of the UN Security Council and responses to
climate change.
Mexico also hoped to strengthen cooperation with China on
environmental protection, world peace, anti-terrorism efforts,
human rights protection and promotion of development, she said.
Espinosa said more Mexican students were studying in China and
added that Mexico hopes to establish more Confucius Institutes. She
added that the two countries have very good cultural exchanges.
She also mentioned the potential for scientific and
technological cooperation, as well as Mexico's desire for more
Chinese tourists.
Espinosa is on a four-day official visit to China as a guest of
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. She will hold talks with Yang
and meet with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday.
(Xinhua News Agency November 23, 2007)
