China and Uruguay voiced commitment to further develop cooperation on trade and investment and boost exchanges between the parliaments of the two countries.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R Front) meets with Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez (L Front) in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2009. [Pang Xinglei/Xinhua]

When conferring with the visiting Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez here Tuesday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called on the two nations to exert joint efforts to address the challenges posed by the current global financial crisis.

China and Uruguay should take effective measures to achieve a diversified and balanced two-way trade structure and expand mutual investment to raise bilateral economic and trade cooperation to a higher level, Wen said.

The Chinese Premier also pledged that China would intensify the dialogue and communication with the Common Market of the South and join hands with Uruguay and other countries to develop the Latin American market for mutual benefit.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2009. [Pang Xinglei/Xinhua]

"It's not only conducive to resolve the current difficulties, but also helpful to inject new vigor for South-South cooperation," Wen noted.

Vazquez said Uruguay is willing to make concerted efforts with China to expand cooperation, cope with the global financial crisis and oppose trade protectionism.

He proposed the two sides develop new ideas and new approaches to forge new cooperation with mutual benefit.