Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Relations, Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, said in Beijing on Thursday that China is Mexico's priority partner in the Asia-Pacific region.

"China is the priority partner of Mexico in the Asia-Pacific and Mexico will make and carry out policies towards China on the basis of this strategy," said Espinosa in a speech to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Espinosa said China is Mexico's second-largest trading partner. She said that trade imbalances are a big challenge, but a long-term and strategic perspective should be taken on the bilateral trade relationship.

She hailed the two countries' strategic partnership, which is handled through a standing committee and a joint action plan, saying that mutual political dialogue had reached a high level and bilateral cooperation as increasing.

The two countries have had frequent bilateral visits this year.

She said Mexico and China agreed on many multilateral issues, including the reform of the UN Security Council and responses to climate change.

Mexico also hoped to strengthen cooperation with China on environmental protection, world peace, anti-terrorism efforts, human rights protection and promotion of development, she said.

Espinosa said more Mexican students were studying in China and added that Mexico hopes to establish more Confucius Institutes. She added that the two countries have very good cultural exchanges.

She also mentioned the potential for scientific and technological cooperation, as well as Mexico's desire for more Chinese tourists.

Espinosa is on a four-day official visit to China as a guest of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. She will hold talks with Yang and meet with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday.

(Xinhua News Agency November 23, 2007)