China-CELAC Forum boosts partnership, fosters shared future between China, Latin America: FM

The China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum has added new dimensions to the China-LAC comprehensive cooperative partnership and injected fresh momentum into building a China-LAC community with a shared future, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, chaired the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum held in Beijing on Tuesday.

Foreign ministers or representatives from CELAC member countries and heads of relevant regional organizations gathered in China's capital to discuss common development goals and advance the building of a China-LAC community with a shared future.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the Forum's official launch, Wang noted that the past decade has witnessed frequent high-level exchanges, fostering a strong consensus on unity and development. He said these efforts have guided China-CELAC relations into a new phase of equality, mutual benefit, innovation, and openness while delivering tangible benefits to the people.

"After a decade of meticulous cultivation, the forum mechanism has grown increasingly mature and has become an important platform for equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Latin America. It has added new dimensions to the China-LAC comprehensive cooperative partnership and injected fresh momentum into building a China-LAC community with a shared future," Wang said.

Speaking on strengthening solidarity between China and Latin America, Wang said the two sides would firmly support each other's core interests, deepen economic cooperation, promote peace and security, and continue to enhance cultural exchange and mutual learning while jointly upholding international fairness and justice.

He added that China and Latin America have set a new example for global relations and have driven greater cooperation across the Global South, he added.

Lamin O'Brian Newton, government senator of Antigua and Barbuda, said, "I'm very optimistic and excited. Based on what I've heard, it shows the collaboration and cooperation of all the member countries that we intend to strengthen our bilateral arrangements with China. I think that with all the trade wars and the tariff wars that we're seeing, this is extremely important for all the countries meeting here today."

Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin said, "It's very important we recognize China, when we say we, we talk about the 33 countries that are here, we recognize China like a serious partner in which we can work together very concrete."

The ministerial meeting witnessed the adoption of two key documents: the Beijing Declaration, which reaffirms both sides' commitment to peace, development, and cooperation, and a joint action plan outlining specific initiatives in technology, trade, investment, infrastructure, and Belt and Road cooperation.

China-CELAC Forum boosts partnership, fosters shared future between China, Latin America: FM

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.

During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.

China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.

Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.

China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.

On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.

Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.

Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.

On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation