Hu pledges strategic partnership with Brazil
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-11-13 15:13

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao pledged Friday to push forward the Sino-Brazilian strategic partnership.

Addressing the Brazilian National Congress, Hu said the strategic partnership would not only contribute to the prosperity of the two countries, but also promote world peace and development.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (R) greets his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, November 12, 2004. Hu Jintao is in Brazil for a five-day state visit. [Reuters]

Brazil is China's most important trade partner in Latin America while China is Brazil's in Asia, said Hu, adding that traditional friendship between the two peoples has deepened thanks to joint efforts.

Hu noted he and Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula have agreed on four principles on strengthening bilateral ties.

First, the two sides should strengthen mutual political trust and carry out consultation on an equal footing.

Second, the two countries should tap potentials for expanding mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation.

Third, the two sides should coordinate and cooperate with each other in international affairs.

Fourthly, Hu said, the two countries should encourage people-to- people exchanges to deepen mutual understanding.

Before his speech, Hu met separately with leaders of the Brazilian parliament.

The Chinese president arrived here Thursday for a state visit, the first leg of his four-nation Latin American tour, which will also take him to Argentina, Chile and Cuba.

He is expected to attend the Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation slated for Nov. 20-21.