China attaches importance to relations with Argentina, and will push forward the strategic partnership, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping said in Beijing Monday.

He told visiting Argentina's foreign minister Jorge Taiana that China and Argentina had developed smooth relations since they forged diplomatic ties 37 years before.

The two countries had also expanded economic and trade cooperation as well as scientific and cultural exchanges, Xi said.

"On the issues concerning core interests, the two countries support and understand each other, and China appreciates it," he said.

He pledged to work with Argentina to promote high-level contacts and reciprocal cooperation as well as coordination on major international issues.

Also on Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi exchanged views with Taiana on bilateral ties, international and regional affairs such as the global financial crisis.

Taiana spoke highly of bilateral relations, noting the Argentine government values its ties with China and will unswervingly stick to the one-China policy.

He also pledged to work with China to further the strategic partnership.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2009)