Chinese FM meets Latin American guests ahead of China-CELAC Forum

China

Chinese FM meets Latin American guests ahead of China-CELAC Forum

2025-05-12 21:23 Last Updated At：05-13 02:17

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday met respectively with foreign ministers and representatives from seven Latin American countries, who are in Beijing to attend the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, scheduled for Tuesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, discussed strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation in meetings with the guests from Cuba, Uruguay, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana, Nicaragua, and Colombia.

During his meeting with Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Wang emphasized that the CPC and the Chinese government remain firmly committed to maintaining, consolidating, and advancing friendly relations with Cuba.

In the meeting with Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin, Wang expressed China's willingness to work with all Global South countries to uphold multilateralism, defend free trade, and play a constructive role in promoting world peace and development.

While meeting with his Peruvian counterpart Elmer Schialer Salcedo, the Chinese foreign minister said China stands ready to work with Peru to continue firm mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests, further elevating the China-Peru comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.

Speaking with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, Wang noted that both China and Venezuela are important members of the Global South. He said China is ready to work with Latin American countries for better outcomes in the ministerial meeting and to send a strong message of solidarity and cooperation.

Meeting with Guyanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Hilton Todd, Wang highlighted that Guyana is now China's top trading partner in the Caribbean region. He said China is committed to high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative to help Guyana upgrade its industries and boost economic self-reliance.

In his meeting with Laureano Ortega, advisor on investment, trade and international cooperation at the Nicaraguan president's office, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Valdrack Jaentschke, Wang praised the two Global South countries' shared tradition of never yielding to hegemonic power. He expressed optimism that the upcoming ministerial meeting would meet its expected goals through joint efforts.

During a meeting with Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Laura Sarabia, Wang congratulated Colombia on assuming the rotating presidency of the China-CELAC Forum. He said China is willing to work together with Colombia to make this ministerial meeting a united, pragmatic, and efficient gathering of the China-CELAC family, and to write a splendid new chapter in China-CELAC relations.

Voting for 2nd phase of Myanmar's general election concludes

Voting for the second phase of Myanmar's multi-party democratic general election concluded on Sunday afternoon.

Voting began at 06:00 local time on Sunday. At 16:00, an election official at a polling station in Yangon's Latha township announced the closure of the polling station.

Following the closure, election staff at the polling station, in the presence of domestic and international media, candidates, and observers, counted the votes, including advance votes, for seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House), Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), and State and Region Hluttaws (State and Region Parliaments).

The second phase of the election was held in 100 townships across 12 of the 14 regions and states. In the Yangon region, it was held in 16 townships, including the townships of Latha, Bahan, Kyimyindaing and Kawhmu.

"We welcome the election, which is expected to bring new changes to the country," said a Yangon resident.

"I hope the parties can lead us and make it a better country, which is why I support the election," said another voter.

Myanmar's multi-party democratic general election is being held in three phases, with the first phase held in 102 townships on Dec 28 last year, and the third phase scheduled for Jan 25 this year in 63 townships.

"The parliament is scheduled to convene in March. Following the conclusion of the session, the new government will officially take office in April. We hope that more foreign investment will flow into Myanmar, enabling the public to enjoy the opportunities generated by the country's economic development more fully," said Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council.

The Union Election Commission (UEC) said that about 5,000 candidates from 57 political parties are competing in the three phases of the election, adding that it plans to set up over 21,000 polling stations across the country for all three phases of the general election.

The election will produce the elected members of the Union Parliament (Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw) and State and Region Parliaments; the new Union Parliament will then elect a new president, who will form a new Union Government.