BEIJING, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met with Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino here Friday, the two vowing to increase bilateral cooperation and party-to-party exchange.
Xi hailed the smooth development of China-Ecuador ties over recent years, citing frequent high-level exchanges and enhanced political trust.
The Chinese government highly values its relations with Ecuador, he said, adding that strengthening bilateral ties is in the common interest of both nations and peoples.
We hope to take the opportunity of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year to expand cooperation with Ecuador to push bilateral relations to a new stage, Xi said.
He also urged more exchanges between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the ruling party of Ecuador.
Patino extended his condolences to the family members of the victims of the mudslides in northwest China's Gansu Province.
He also said Ecuador hopes to cement cooperation with China in political, trade and cultural areas.
Patino is visiting China from Aug. 10 to Aug. 16 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi.
In talks with Patino earlier Friday, Yang said China and Ecuador maintained good coordination in international affairs. He expressed the hope to boost all-round relations between the two countries.
Patino pledged his country would continue adhering to the one-China policy.
Patino will attend the National Pavilion Day of Ecuador celebrations at the Shanghai World Expo on Saturday.