On the afternoon of April 10, President Jiang Zemin held talks with President Jorge Batlle of Uruguay in the Independence Palace. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and some major issues of mutual interest.

Batlle extended a warm welcome to President Jiang for his state visit to Uruguay.

Batlle said that Uruguay is a small nation, but is dedicated to the cause of domestic justice. The efforts Uruguay has made in promoting education and literacy levels of the people have received international recognition. Uruguay is also an open country and ready to develop good relations with all the other countries in the world. Uruguay is very glad to have the opportunity to receive the Chinese president.

Jiang said, " At the warm invitation by the president, I am paying the first state visit to Uruguay and have been warmly received by the Government and people of Uruguay. I would like to express my sincere thanks."

Jiang said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the friendly cooperation between the two sides has been developing very smoothly. We are satisfied and fully confident of the outlook.

He said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to relations with Uruguay. The strengthening of China-Uruguay relations is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples, is conducive to the overall enhancement of the strength of developing countries, and contributes to peace and development of the world. We would like to make joint efforts with the Uruguay government to explore new ways of thinking, tap potentials and promote the constant development of friendly relations and cooperation of long-term stability and equality and mutual benefits.

On bilateral economic cooperation and trade, Jiang said that Jiang said bilateral trade has registered rapid growth in recent years, rising from 40 million U.S. dollars in 1988, when the two countries established diplomatic ties, to 344 million U.S. dollars last year. China has become one of Uruguay's major trading partners and its biggest buyer of wool. The two sides have conducted some sound explorations in the area of economic cooperation with preliminary results. We are glad to see that.

The Chinese president said the economies of the two countries are complimentary and have great potential for cooperation. The two nations should increase mutual investments so as to lift the level of economic cooperation. China is ready to promote economic cooperation and trade of equality and mutual benefits together with the Uruguay side.

Jiang also thanked Uruguay for backing China's bid to join the World Trade Organization. He expressed the belief that with China's accession to the WTO, China-Uruguay economic cooperation and trade will score greater development.

Batlle said that Uruguay has attached importance to the development of its relations with China. Uruguay is a small country with a small population, but attaches great importance to environmental protection. Agricultural and livestock products from Uruguay fully comply with environmental standards. Uruguay has paid attention to the development of its relations with China, especially the bilateral economic and trade cooperation, as well as its exports to China.

Jiang said there are more areas for the two countries to cooperate, agriculture in particular. China has the expertise and skilled agricultural workers, who can come to Uruguay to conduct joint development, Jiang said, adding that this will bring benefits to the economic development of both countries.

Jiang said that the world is a diversified one. Countries, big or small, are equal despite differences in national conditions.

Batlle said that his country, though a small one, is working for the realization of peaceful coexistence with all the nations.

The two sides also exchanged views on some other issues of mutual concern.

After the talks, the heads of state attended a signing ceremony of cultural and educational agreements and met the press together.

Jiang presented books to the National Library of Uruguay as a gift. Li Zhaoxing, on behalf of Jiang, presented the list of the books to the head of the Library.

Before the talks, Jiang laid a wreath to the Monument in the Independence Square.

On April 11, President Jiang also met with Uruguayan Vice President and President of National Congress Luis Hierro and President of Chamber of Deputies Gustave Penades, and Uruguayan President of Supreme Court Milton Hugo Cairoli on separate occasions and held friendly talks with them.