Beijing, September 18th—Ma Hui, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Ernesto Samper Pizano, former Colombian President.

Ma spoke positively of China-Colombia relations and inter-party exchanges, saying that next year will be the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Colombian side to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continuously deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, better serve the development of respective countries, and enhance the well-being of the two peoples. The two sides also exchanged views on China-Latin America relations and the situation in Latin America.

Samper said, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Colombia and China, the two countries have always understood and supported each other on issues concerning respective core interests and major concerns. All successive Colombian administrations have adhered to the one-China principle. The Colombian side is willing to strengthen political mutual trust with the Chinese side and advance practical cooperation in various fields. Colombian political parties are willing to further strengthen exchanges and mutual learning with the CPC, promote the development of Colombia-China and Latin America-China relations, and jointly maintain world peace and stability.