On November 19, 2004, Chinese President Hu Jintao, who was on a state visit to Chile, met with Chilean Senate President Hernan Larrain Fernandez and President of the Chamber of Deputies Pablo Lorenzini Basso at the Parliament Building in the center of Santiago.

Hu introduced to Larrain and Lorenzini his positive comments on the current bilateral ties. He said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 34 years ago, despite the great changes on the world arena, the traditional friendship between the two peoples remains unchanged and both sides' aspiration to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation remains unchanged. The political mutual trust is continuously enhanced and economic cooperation is ceaselessly expanded. During this visit bilateral cooperation scores important achievements that can be seen in the following aspects. The two heads of state jointly declare the launch of negotiation on signing the China-Chile free trade agreement through consultation; China declares Chile as Chinese citizens' tourist destination; and Chile declares its acknowledgement of China's full market economy status. Both sides also sign a large number of cooperation documents on mining industry, quality control, health and sports. He firmly believed that with the Joint efforts by both sides, China-Chile ties will surely develop much better.

Hu said that the exchange between legislatures is an important part of bilateral friendly ties. Over the years, the leaders of China's National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chilean Parliament have conducted frequent exchanges of visits and both sides have carried out sound cooperation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF). We pay attention to and support enhanced cooperation between the two sides, especially exchanges in the area of legislation, so as to play a more active role in economic development and social progress of the two countries,

Larrain said that the Chilean people have always held profound feelings towards the Chinese people and devote great enthusiasm to developing Chile-China ties. As the representative of the general public, the Senate will continue taking active part in pushing for the rapid development of bilateral ties. He also suggested the two countries further strengthen cultural and educational exchanges.

Lorenzini said that many members of the Chamber of Deputies visited China where what they saw and heard deeply impressed them and they all actively propose promoting Chile-China all-round friendly cooperation. The Chamber of Deputies will continue playing its role as a bridge to contribute to bilateral exchanges and cooperation through various channels.

Following the meeting, Larrain and Lorenzini accompanied Hu Jintao to visit the Hall of General Assembly of the Parliament. This is a historic building that was firstly set up in 1848 and witnesses many important events in Chile's history.

On the noon of the same day, Hu Jintao called on the representatives of those working in the Chinese embassy in Chile and Chinese-funded agencies and the Chinese living in Chile.