CELAC forum brings China, Latin American and Caribbean leaders together

World Today

Beijing will host a two-day forum between officials from China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, or CELAC on Thursday. 

CCTV News’ Zhang Nini reported this story from Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will speak at the opening ceremony.

Over 40 ministers from 30 of the CELAC countries have confirmed their attendance including Costa Rican President, Luis Guillermo Solis; Ecuadorian President, Rafael Correa Delgado; Bahamas’ Prime Minister, Perry Christie; and Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro Moros.

“The main priority is to carry out the consensus reached by President Xi and the Latin American countries during Xi’s trip there in July. Therefore it’s necessary to sit down and discuss guiding principles, key areas of cooperation and the establishment of relevant mechanisms to continue cooperation in the long-term,” Deputy Director of Department of Latin American Affairs, Zhu Quingqiao said.

President Xi’s visit extended cooperation beyond traditional areas, with over 150 agreements, in sectors such as finance and investment.

The forum‘s theme “New Platform, New Starting Point, New Opportunity” aims to further boost cooperation.