BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday he is ready to work with Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega to promote bilateral ties for fresh achievements with the newly announced strategic partnership between the two countries as a new starting point.
In his phone talks with Ortega, Xi pointed out that the political decision made by Ortega and Nicaraguan Vice President Companera Rosario Murillo two years ago to resume diplomatic ties with China has made significant contribution to bilateral relations, which will be remembered by history.
Since the resumption of relations, the two sides, with a sense of urgency, have promoted a leap-forward development of China-Nicaragua relations, Xi said, adding that the two sides firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and have comprehensively expanded and made positive progress in practical cooperation.
Xi also said that he is willing to join the Nicaraguan leader in setting an example of solidarity, cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win results.
Xi emphasized that China highly appreciates Nicaragua's adherence to the one-China principle and its public support for China's safeguarding of sovereignty and territorial integrity on many occasions, adding that China is ready to be a reliable friend of Nicaragua, will continue to firmly support Nicaragua in safeguarding its national independence and national dignity, and also backs Nicaragua in rejecting external interference.
He noted China's readiness to share its experience with Nicaragua in such fields as governance and poverty eradication, adding that he has put forward eight major steps China will take to support the joint pursuit of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, and China welcomes Nicaragua's active synergy in this regard.
The free trade agreement between China and Nicaragua, which will come into effect on Jan. 1 next year, is a landmark achievement of cooperation between the two countries, Xi said, noting that both sides should take this opportunity to continuously boost the volume and raise the level of bilateral trade.
China encourages competitive Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in Nicaragua and carry out more cooperation projects that Nicaragua needs to help it achieve self-driven development, and to bring more benefits to the Nicaraguan people, said the Chinese president.
China also stands ready to strengthen solidarity and coordination with Nicaragua in international affairs, and work with Nicaragua to oppose hegemonism and power politics, promote the development of a more just and rational international order, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, Xi added.
For his part, Ortega said that China's remarkable achievements in development have contributed to world peace and brought hope to the world.
China has made significant contributions to sharing development achievements with people in developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America and improving their well-being, he said.
Nicaragua firmly abides by the one-China principle, and supports China's grand cause of reunification, he said, noting that Nicaragua also supports global cooperation initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Xi. ■
