by Xinhua writers Chen Yao, Huang Shunda

BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- This is a visit that "I've been anticipating for a long time," Uruguayan President Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou, who paid a state visit to China, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua here on Thursday.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Uruguay.

Lacalle said that in the past 35 years, the relationship between the two countries has made significant progress.

"Despite changes in government personnel, bilateral relations continue to evolve, and political mutual trust continues to deepen," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Lacalle in Beijing on Wednesday.

The two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

"It's the phrase that we have been anticipating," Lacalle said, adding that he believes upgrading the bilateral relationship will be conducive to further tapping into the potential of bilateral cooperation and improving the level of practical cooperation in various fields.

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of the Belt and Road cooperation plan, and bilateral cooperation documents related to such fields as trade and investment, the digital economy, green development, agriculture, health, education, culture, scientific and technological innovation, and customs inspection and quarantine.

During Lacalle's visit to China, the two sides issued a joint statement on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Lacalle believes that in the era of globalization, inclusiveness has become the correct way for people and countries to get along with each other.

"Today, in this world of the Internet, in a communicative world, it provides us with the real possibility to truly understand each other," he said.

Talking about the concept of the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi, Lacalle pointed out that the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind will bring the two peoples closer.

The Uruguayan president further said both Uruguay and China firmly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and are committed to promoting world peace and stability.

"We believe that multilateralism is a direction that we should strive for. We believe that peace is fundamental for socioeconomic development. Uruguay is studying these China-proposed initiatives based on shared principles, and we are confident that we can make significant strides forward in many aspects," he said.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of Uruguay's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, as Uruguay is the first Southern Common Market (Mercosur) country to participate in the initiative.

"We have seen the results," Lacalle said, noting that Uruguay is a stable and open country that actively participates in the Belt and Road Initiative and is committed to becoming a hub for regional connectivity under the framework of the initiative.

In the interview, Lacalle repeatedly mentioned the rapid development and diverse highlights of economic and trade cooperation between Uruguay and China. Among the members of the delegation during his visit to China were not only important cabinet members but also entrepreneurs from various industries.

"Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1988, our bilateral trade has witnessed sustained and robust growth," he said. "Our entrepreneurs covered many miles to be here, some set up offices. Once a market opens up, the potential of growth is exponential, as figures indicate."

In recent years, Uruguay's high-quality products such as beef, red wine and dairy products have reached Chinese households, while Chinese products such as cars, home appliances and daily necessities have greatly enriched the lives of the Uruguayan people.

According to data from China's General Administration of Customs, the bilateral trade volume reached 7.44 billion U.S. dollars in 2022, 60 times that of the time when the two countries established diplomatic ties.

China's imports from Uruguay reached a new high of 4.457 billion dollars, a year-on-year increase of 23 percent. China has been Uruguay's largest trading partner for 11 consecutive years.

Uruguay has participated in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) for six consecutive years. Looking ahead to the coming year, Lacalle said, "I have no doubt about it. The Uruguayan government thinks so, and so do our entrepreneurs."

During his visit to China, Lacalle also visited historical and cultural relics such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. During his visit, he said he saw a society that "cherishes peace" and "is committed to the pursuit of perfection." Enditem

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