Beijing, March 25th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), held a group discussion here today with diplomatic envoys of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries to China. Diplomatic envoys from 25 LAC countries including Fernando Lugris, Head of the Mission from Latin America and Caribbean and Ambassador of Uruguay to China, were present. 

Liu said, though geographically far apart, the people of China and Latin America and the Caribbean enjoy a long-standing friendship. The Chinese side is ready to work with LAC countries to strengthen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation in various fields, and strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, so as to constantly promote China-Latin America relations for in-depth and solid growth in the new era. In this changing and turbulent world, unilateralism, isolationism, trade protectionism, and new forms of hegemonism have seriously impacted the international order. As natural members of the Global South, China and LAC countries should deepen unity and cooperation, seek strength through unity, abide by the concept of multilateralism, uphold the principles of fairness and justice, jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. The IDCPC is willing to strengthen exchanges and dialogues with political parties of LAC countries to promote the development of state-to-state relations. 

Lugris and other diplomatic envoys said, Latin America and the Caribbean and China enjoy a long-standing friendship. The LAC countries thank China for the valuable support for their economic and social development and appreciate China's adherence to justice in international affairs. The LAC countries are full of expectations for the upcoming Forum of China and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and are ready to strengthen cooperation with China in such areas as the Belt and Road cooperation to open up a brighter future for relations between the two sides. The world today witnesses much turbulence, prolonged regional wars, and imminent trade wars, which pose a serious threat to the international order. LAC countries cherish the hard-won peaceful environment in the region and are willing to strengthen unity and coordination with China to jointly maintain regional and world peace and stability and promote development and prosperity. The leadership of the CPC is the key to China's success. Political parties of LAC countries are willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the CPC. 

Ma Hui, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, was present.