Xi hails elevation of China-Azerbaijan ties to comprehensive strategic partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday hailed the elevation of China-Azerbaijan relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

During his talks with visiting Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Beijing, Xi recalled that the two countries upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership last July in Kazakhstan's capital city Astana, and said he believes Aliyev's current state visit will yield fruitful results.

"This is your third trip here, and also your second state visit to China in 10 years, and I extend to you my sincere welcome. Last July we held a very good exchange in Astana and together elevated China-Azerbaijan relations to a strategic partnership. Today, we will be announcing the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries. Our two sides will also sign a series of cooperation documents that will further enrich the strategic substance of bilateral ties. I believe your visit this time will yield fruitful results," Xi said.

Aliyev expressed admiration for the continuous growth of China and support for all the major Chinese solutions to building a better world.

"Your Excellency President Xi Jinping, I've paid multiple visits to this country at your invitation, which, in my view, reflects the firm friendship between our two nations. Every time I come to China, I see the country making new strides in development under your wise leadership. Azerbaijan abides by the one-China principle. We support the concept of jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind and the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative put forward by China," he said.

Xi hails elevation of China-Azerbaijan ties to comprehensive strategic partnership

Xi hails elevation of China-Azerbaijan ties to comprehensive strategic partnership

Xi hails elevation of China-Azerbaijan ties to comprehensive strategic partnership

Xi hails elevation of China-Azerbaijan ties to comprehensive strategic partnership

Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.

"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.

"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.

Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela