Wang Yi Speaks with Uruguayan Foreign Minister Francisco Bustillo on the Phone at Request

On May 20, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Uruguayan Foreign Minister Francisco Bustillo at the latter's request.

Wang Yi said, China-Uruguay relations enjoy a solid political foundation, with fruitful results in economic and trade practical cooperation and sound development prospects. As the first Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR for its Spanish initials) country to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, Uruguay has joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the BRICS New Development Bank, providing important momentum for bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Wang Yi said, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries have joined hands to fight the pandemic and overcome difficulties together. Uruguay was one of the first Latin American countries to voice support for China's fight against the pandemic and provide material assistance. China has always been caring about Uruguay's fight against the pandemic as well and has offered strong support in terms of protective supplies and COVID-19 vaccines.

Wang Yi said, China is ready to work with Uruguay to deepen political mutual trust, promote the upgrade of China-Uruguay cooperation, and strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. He hopes that the two sides will sign a cooperation plan to jointly build the Belt and Road as soon as possible. China stands ready to help Uruguay develop into a logistics center in South America. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Uruguayan side to make scientific and technological innovation a new highlight of bilateral cooperation, and make solid progress in practical economic and trade cooperation. China welcomes more Uruguayan agricultural and livestock products and high value-added products into the Chinese market.

Wang Yi said, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, both put forward by President Xi Jinping, have offered Chinese proposals for global development and security from the perspective of building a community with a shared future for mankind. China sincerely welcomes Uruguay to join the initiatives at an early date and join hands to tackle global challenges.

Bustillo said, Uruguay-China relations have made great progress and enjoy broad prospects. Although the two countries are far apart and differ in national conditions and size, the two sides have set a good example of friendly cooperation between countries of different sizes and national conditions. Uruguay firmly supports the one-China principle. The Uruguayan side welcomes and appreciates the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, which are highly consistent with Uruguay's foreign policy philosophy. Next year will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The Uruguayan side looks forward to accelerating the process of free trade cooperation with China, bringing bilateral practical cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to a higher level, enhancing coordination on multilateral affairs and continuously upgrading bilateral strategic cooperation.