Bolivia has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism, highlighting the vital role of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in promoting harmonious and sustainable cooperation across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the broader Global South.
In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network, Elmer Catarina, Bolivia's vice minister of Foreign Affairs, underscored the strategic importance of the China-CELAC Forum in promoting a shared vision of inclusive, multilateral cooperation between the two sides.
"For Latin America, cooperation with China is fundamental because we share a common vision. In contrast to a unilateral approach -- one that seeks to impose conditions on cooperation -- China is entirely different. China is proposing a model of cooperation from the People's Republic of China toward the entire Global South," said Catarina.
All 33 member states of the CELAC are actively participating in the forum. According to the Bolivian vice minister, these countries are committed to its principles, which resonate deeply with the region's priorities.
"This is a harmonious, complementary, and supportive form of cooperation, which is essential for us. Moreover, we are united in a shared vision of cooperation aimed at sustainable development, particularly in the fight against hunger and poverty," he said.
The fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum opened in Beijing on Tuesday. Foreign ministers or representatives from CELAC countries and heads of the relevant regional organizations attended the meeting.
Bolivia fully supports China-CELAC Forum's pursuit of sustainable development: official
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
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
