China backs Colombia's leadership of regional forum amid growing ties

China expressed its readiness to work with Colombia to make the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum a united, pragmatic, and efficient gathering of the China-Latin America family, ushering in a new chapter in China-Latin America relations.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks on Monday in a meeting with Colombia's Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo in Beijing. ?Colombia has assumed the rotating presidency of the China-CELAC Forum.

Wang highlighted that since its official launch a decade ago, the China-CELAC Forum has fostered mutual respect, support, and deepening cooperation, contributing to the development and revitalization of Latin American and Caribbean countries.

?China's efforts to build a higher-level open economy will bring significant development opportunities to Colombia and other regional nations, Wang added.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia. In 2023, the two countries established a ?strategic partnership?.

Wang said China looks forward to collaborating with Colombia on the ?Belt and Road Initiative?, strengthening people-to-people exchanges, and advancing bilateral relations for the benefit of both peoples, as well as regional and global stability.

Murillo told Wang that ?Colombia is willing to join the Belt and Road Initiative and hopes to attract more Chinese investment.

He expressed gratitude for ?China's support in Colombia's peace process and diversification efforts?.?

Colombia pledges full support for the upcoming ministerial meeting and seeks stronger solidarity and unity with China and other Global South nations to deliver greater benefits to peoples of the region and China and and inject more certainty to the world.