During his visit, Hu will meet with his counterpart, Vicente Fox, and other government leaders to discuss bilateral relations, and international and regional issues.

The two countries are also expected to sign a number of cooperation documents during Hu's visit.

Since the two countries established diplomatic ties 33 years ago, bilateral relations have developed smoothly and cooperation has yielded fruitful results in various sectors.

Bilateral trade exceeded US$7 billion in 2004, 44 percent higher than the previous year, and China's investment in Mexico has risen to nearly US$200 million.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said last month that, as developing countries, China and Mexico share many common interests in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

Hu's visit to Mexico will help push forward the bilateral strategic partnership and promote cooperation between China and Latin America, as well as the unity and coordination between developing countries, Li said.

Hu flew in from Toronto after a three-day visit to Canada. He will leave Mexico City on Tuesday for New York to attend the United Nations summit to be held from September 14 to 16.

(Xinhua News Agency September 12, 2005)