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BEIJING, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Uruguayan counterpart Tabare Vazquez on Tuesday agreed to establish a strategic partnership based on respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with his Uruguayan counterpart Tabare Vazquez during their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 18, 2016. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

The two heads of state made the decision during talks in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing following a red-carpet welcome ceremony.

Xi urged China and the Latin American country to maintain high-level exchanges and enhance communication at all levels to promote mutual understanding and trust.

China appreciates Uruguayan support for the Belt and Road initiative, and hopes both sides will strengthen integration of development strategies to upgrade economic and trade ties, said Xi.

China is willing to encourage more investment in Uruguay, channelled toward infrastructure projects, Xi stressed, adding that the country is also looking forward to expanding cooperation in agriculture, clean energy, communications, mining, manufacturing and finance.

In addition, Xi called on both sides to promote people-to-people exchanges and lift ties in culture, education, science and technology, Antarctica, tourism as well as football sport.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds a welcoming ceremony for his Uruguayan counterpart Tabare Vazquez before their talks outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 18, 2016. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

As for global affairs, Xi said that China is ready to strengthen collaboration with Uruguay in climate change, economic governance, UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, peace-keeping and South-South cooperation.

On China-Latin America relations, Xi stressed that China is a strong supporter for Latin American stability, unity and development. China is ready to work with Latin American countries to forge a community of shared future.

Echoing Xi's remarks, Vazquez said that the establishment of a strategic partnership will begin a new chapter of Uruguay-China ties. Uruguay welcomes more Chinese investment in the country and is willing to negotiate a free trade agreement with China.

Uruguay supports the one-China policy and backs China's reunification, according to Vazquez.

Speaking highly of China's significant role in global affairs, Vazquez stressed that Uruguay was ready to work with China to push forward Latin America-China relations and enhance coordination on international and regional issues.

A joint statement was issued following the talks and a document signing ceremony.

Invited by Xi, Vazquez is paying a state visit to China from Oct. 12 to 20.