Wen told Garcia that Peru was an important trading partner of China in Latin America. China appreciated Peru's recognition of China's full market economy status, Wen said, and he expressed the hope that the two nations would soon agree on a free trade zone.

China encouraged domestic companies to invest in Peru and welcomed Peruvian companies to develop the Chinese market, the premier said. He noted that the two sides should cooperate in such areas as infrastructure, energy, agriculture and forestry and fishery.

Garcia reiterated that Peru firmly supported China's just cause of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Peru resolutely opposed Taiwan's proposed "referendum on UN membership", Garcia said, and he noted that Peru was aware of what was behind the recent violence in Lhasa.

Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, also meets with Garcia on Thursday. (Xinhua Photo) 

Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, also met with Garcia on Thursday.

(Xinhua News Agency March 21, 2008)