Chinese, Uruguayan leaders agree to upgrade ties

ANKARA

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Uruguayan President Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou met in Beijing on Wednesday and agreed to upgrade ties and develop relations "into a model of solidarity and cooperation," state media reported.

Lacalle Pou arrived in Beijing on Monday morning, starting his maiden visit to China from Monday to Friday.

"At present, deepening bilateral ties is increasingly becoming the consensus in our two countries," Xi said during a meeting with Lacalle Pou at the Great Hall, Beijing-based Xinhua News reported.

"I am pleased to announce with you ... the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership," Xi was further quoted as saying.

In 2021, Lacalle Pou proposed a free trade agreement with China to secure similar opportunities for Uruguayan exporters as those enjoyed by other South American countries, including Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Peru.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Uruguay.