Argentine Vice President Daniel Scioli and a visiting senior Chinese official met in Buenos Aires on Friday to discuss the cooperation between the two countries, Scioli told the press.

The cooperation and exchanges in politics, trade and economy, technology and tourism between the two countries were intensified in 2005, thanks to the exchange of visits made by officials of both sides, Scioli said.

He also pointed out that China and Argentina's economies are highly complementary, especially in such areas as agriculture, infrastructure, energy and technology.

The Argentine government hopes to learn from China's experience of development, he added.

"I am convinced that China's economic growth is an opportunity for Argentina and cooperation between the two countries can benefit the people of both countries," Scioli said.

The exchanges between the two countries' parliaments have increased over the last two years, said Chen Siwei, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China.

The Chinese government has always taken the parliamentary exchanges as a key part of its diplomacy, he said, adding that he hopes the two countries, which share the same or similar standpoints on the international political affairs, will strengthen their cooperation.

Chen started his visit to Argentina on Thursday.

(Xinhua News Agency November 28, 2005)