Beijing, December 16th—Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with a cadre study group headed by Nubia Stella Martínez, President of the Democratic Center of Colombia.

Song said that Colombia is an important partner of China in Latin America. This year, General Secretary Xi Jinping and President Iván Duque Márquez reached important consensus on developing China-Colombia relations, injecting strong impetus into bilateral relations. China appreciates Colombia's firm support on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns, and is ready to work with Colombia to jointly promote the Belt and Road cooperation, safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and make the international political and economic order more just and equitable.

Song said that last year, Mrs. President led a study group to visit China to promote the establishment of relations between the two Parties last year. This year, Mrs. President led the newly elected provincial mayor, local councilors and members of parliament to visit China, which fully demonstrated the importance the Democratic Center attaches to the development of relations between the two Parties. We would like to further develop the relations between the CPC and the Democratic Center on the basis of seeking common ground while shelving differences, mutual respect and mutual learning.

Martínez said that the purpose of the delegation's visit to China is to convey Colombia's sincere desire to actively develop friendly cooperation with China, promote pragmatic cooperation between the two countries and advance personnel exchanges. Colombia hopes to learn from China's development experience and institutional advantages, participate in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthen exchanges among party cadres and further deepen relations between the two Parties and the two countries.

Li Jun, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, was present.

Enditem