Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu said in Buenos Aires Monday that China and Argentina have agreed to deepen bilateral ties and enrich their strategic partnership.

In a meeting with Argentine Cabinet chief Sergio Massa, Hui hailed the smooth development of bilateral ties since 1972, when the two countries established diplomatic relations.

China-Argentina ties have entered a new phase featuring comprehensive and rapid development, especially since 2004, when the two sides established a strategic partnership, said Hui, who arrived here Sunday for an official visit.

The two countries have since displayed mutual understanding and support over issues concerning their respective core interests, he said.

Remarkable achievements have been made in bilateral cooperation in trade and economy, with trade volume between China and Argentina growing rapidly and two-way investment continuing to increase, Hui said.

Hui thanked Argentina for its suppport for the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, and its assistance to China after the May 12 earthquake last year.

Echoing the Chinese vice premier's remarks on bilateral ties, Massa said Argentina regards China as a good partner, and the two countries have carried out fruitful cooperation in politics, economy, trade and culture.

Argentina is ready to carry out all-around cooperation with China, which is playing an increasingly important role in international and regional affairs, said Massa.

Argentina will unswervingly adhere to the one-China policy on issues concerning Tibet and Taiwan, he added.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to work together to promote bilateral ties and continue to enrich their strategic partnership.

On political exchanges, they said they will strengthen dialogue, consultation and high-level contact, and continue to staunchly support each other on major issues related to their respective core interests.

Concerning economic and trade cooperation, the two nations vowed to keep up the growing momentum in bilateral trade, and give full play to mechanisms such as the China-Argentina Joint Committee on Trade and Economy.

The two sides pledged to promote bilateral cooperation in such fields as agriculture, forestry, water conservation, infrastructure construction, technology, culture and education.

After their talks, Hui and Massa attended the signing ceremony for a host of cooperation agreements related to the mining industry, agriculture and forestry.

(Xinhua News Agency February 10, 2009)