China, Ecuador FMs call for closer cooperation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Ecuadorian counterpart, Ricardo Patino, co-chaired the 7th political consultations between the two foreign ministries on Wednesday, calling for closer bilateral cooperation. Wang said the China-Ecuador relationship has seen comprehensive, rapid and sustained development in recent years, and the two countries have enhanced political mutual trust and strengthened cooperation in various fields. "China has confidence in enhancing bilateral cooperation and friendly relations," Wang said. China is willing to make joint efforts with Latin American and Caribbean states, including Ecuador, to boost the China-Latin America comprehensive cooperative partnership, Wang said. Patino said Ecuador-China cooperation has set a good example for south-south cooperation, and the two sides respect each other's sovereignty and are complementary in their economies and trade. Ecuador is willing to promote bilateral relations to a new height and play a positive role in Latin America-China comprehensive cooperation as well, Patino said. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern. Patino paid an official visit to China from Nov. 18 to 20 at Wang's invitation.