Prospects

Today, we are embracing a new era of great development, power shifts, and revolutionary changes in a world that is heading towards multi-polarity and economic globalization. As the negative impact of the international financial crisis lingers on and the global economic recovery is still yet to emerge, China and Latin American countries are facing two major domestic tasks: economic development and the improvement of people's living standard. Meanwhile, they also share the common mission of maintaining world peace and promoting global development. Therefore, strengthening cooperation and exchanges and learning from each other can promote China and Latin American countries' development and contribute to the establishment of a fairer and more rational international political and economic order.

Premier Wen Jiabao (L Front) attends a video conference with leaders of the South American Common Market (Mercosur) including Argentine President Cristina Fernandez (R), Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, June 25, 2012. [Xinhua Photo]

As an integral part of state diplomacy in this critical period, the CPC's exchanges with political parties overseas will be further expanded and deepened, focusing on the priorities of the country and the CPC itself. The primary task of exchanges is to create a peaceful international environment and favorable external conditions by taking advantage of this period of important strategic opportunities and to promote the CPC's international image and influence.

In 2008, China's central government issued a paper on its policy concerning Latin America, which outlined a comprehensive and detailed framework for future cooperation with the region from a long-term and strategic perspective. The policy paper has been well received in Latin America. In recent years, relations between China and Latin American countries have built up a vigorous momentum. China believes that in the future exchanges and cooperation between the CPC and political parties in Latin America will continue to be strengthened under their concerted efforts based on China's basic principles for political party relations.

The author is vice director of Bureau V (Latin American Affairs) of the International Department, the CPC Central Committee.