Xi promises to build on cooperation with region

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President Xi Jinping, on his second trip to Latin America as president in just over a year, pledged on Tuesday to strengthen cooperation with the region and highlighted the benefits of forging stronger ties.

Chinese observers said Xi's frequent trips to Latin America – he has visited at least 10 countries in the region since 2009 – shows Beijing’s determination to build a growing relationship with the region as both strive for improved development.

China would like to make full use of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Carribbean States) forum for greater cooperation, Xi said in an interview with reporters from Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Cuba, as reported by China Central Television on Tuesday.

From Wednesday to July 23, Xi will attend the sixth BRICS summit in Brazil and pay state visits to Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Cuba.

During this trip, Xi, together with leaders from the BRICS countries, will meet leaders from the Union of South American Nations in the first dialogue of its kind.

Leaders from China and Latin America will also announce the establishment of the China-CELAC forum, which is expected to holds its first ministerial meeting in Beijing later this year.

Wang Zhen, former Chinese ambassador to Venezuela, said China and Latin Americaare both at critical stages of development. Wang said for each to develop economically and to coordinate on international affairs, cooperation is key.

Trade volume between China and Latin America reached a record $261.57 billion in 2013, almost 21 times the volume in 2000.

Questions:

1. How many times has Xi Jinping visited Latin America since becoming president?

2. What summit will the president attend in Brazil beginning Wednesday through July 23?

3. China-CELAC is an acronym for what organization?

Answers:

1. Two.

2. The sixth BRICS summit.

3. The Community of Latin American and Carribbean States.

（中國日報網英語點津 Julie 編輯）

About the broadcaster:

Anne Ruisi is an editor at China Daily online with more than 30 years of experience as a newspaper editor and reporter. She has worked at newspapers in the U.S., including The Birmingham News in Alabama and City Newspaper of Rochester, N.Y.