Premier Li Keqiang met with the visiting Bolivian President Juan Evo Morales Ayma on June 19 in Beijing.

The Premier hailed the great progress achieved in China-Bolivia relations over recent years.

Just this morning, China and Bolivia announced the establishment of a strategic partnership, boosting bilateral ties to a higher level.

China is willing to advance the bond under the principles of equality and mutual benefit, deepening mutual trust and cooperation, Premier Li said.

China is ready to grasp the new opportunities coming out of the partnership with Bolivia, promoting cooperation in trade, economy, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, the Premier said.

He said China also hopes to import more high-quality products from Bolivia.

In addition, China will help with Bolivia’s industrialization by enhancing capacity cooperation and resource utilization.

The essence of China-Bolivia cooperation is South-South cooperation. China is willing to join all Latin American countries to protect common interests of developing countries, and maintain the world’s peace, stability and development.

For his part, Morales said the establishment of a strategic partnership has elevated bilateral ties to a new high.

During his visit, an array of agreements have been signed in investment, trade and economy, which are expected to boost bilateral cooperation.

As Bolivia will assume the rotating presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) next year, it will actively promote cooperation between China and CELAC.