Peru and China signed eight cooperation accords Thursday following a meeting between Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo and visiting Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong.

The accords include a treaty on criminal judicial assistance, and agreements on economic and technological cooperation, tourism, investment and energy.

Toledo and Zeng attended the signing ceremony.

After the signing ceremony, Toledo said these documents demonstrate that bilateral ties are proceeding in an in-depth way and bilateral cooperation in culture, economy, trade and investment is in a good state.

He expressed the hope that his visit to China later this year would further boost economic and trade cooperation.

Toledo reiterated his country's recognition of China's status as a full market economy and Peru's adherence to the one-China policy.

Zeng said the accords indicate that mutually beneficial cooperation is making new progress.

He suggested the two sides make more efforts to maintain high-level contacts so as to enhance political trust, expand economic cooperation, and strengthen dialogue and consultations in multilateral organizations to safeguard common interests.

Toledo responded to these suggestions in a positive way.

Zeng arrived in Lima Wednesday from Mexico for an official visit. He will later travel to Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica.

Zeng is also scheduled to attend the opening of the first ministerial meeting of the China-Caribbean Economy and Trade Cooperation Forum next Wednesday in Jamaica.

(Xinhua News Agency January 28, 2005)