Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Mexican counterpart, Vicente Fox, agreed in their talks Sunday to push forward the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The meeting took place in Santiago on the sidelines of the 12th Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Both China and Mexico are members of the forum.

The Chinese president spoke highly of Sino-Mexican strategic partnership and appreciated Mexico's support on Taiwan and human rights issues, according to a press release issued by the Chinese delegation.

The meeting also focused on developing bilateral economic and trade ties.

Hu said the Chinese government attaches great importance to strengthening cooperation in trade and investment with Mexico and encourages Chinese businessmen to invest in Mexico.

"We hope to work together with Mexico to expand the economic and trade cooperation, seek positive trade balance and achieve win-win results based on mutual benefit," said the Chinese president.

Fox said Mexico is following with interest China's economic development and its contribution to world trade, adding his country is looking forward to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and trade.

Mexico supports China's bid to join the American Development Bank and is exploring the feasibility of tourism cooperation and direct air flights, Fox added.

(Xinhua News Agency November 22, 2004)