On November 22, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with his Colombian counterpart Alvaro Uribe in Lima.

China and Colombia have registered new development in their relations with closer exchanges of visits between the two governments, political parties and legislatures and strengthened mutual political trust in recent years, Hu said. The two countries have continued to broaden their cooperation in such fields as trade, culture, education, science and technology, he said, adding that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of its cooperative relations with Colombia. He said China is ready to work with Colombia to deepen practical cooperation in various fields and bring more tangible benefits to the two peoples.

Hu put forward a four-point proposal for developing bilateral ties. First, deepen sincere and friendly political relations. China is willing to maintain the momentum in high-level contacts and strengthen dialogue and exchanges between the two countries' governments, political parties and legislatures to exchange views on important issues of common concern in a timely manner, President Hu said. Second, enhance pragmatic cooperation of mutual benefit. Hu said China would consider increasing imports from Colombia to realize a balanced rise in bilateral trade, adding that the Chinese government would continue to encourage competent Chinese enterprises to invest in Colombia and provide support to practical cooperation of the two countries' enterprises in such key areas as infrastructure construction, agriculture, telecommunications and energy. Third, expand colorful humanities exchanges. China would continue to support the two countries in holding cultural activities and cooperation in culture and tourism to build the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples and broaden the social basis of bilateral friendship, Hu said. Fourth, keep closer cooperation in international and regional affairs. President Hu said China understands and supports Colombia's bid to join APEC and is willing to maintain communication with the South American nation over the issue.

President Uribe said his country holds sincere will to develop friendly cooperative relations with China. He voiced his hope that the two countries could strengthen high-level contacts and consolidate mutual trust. Both sides will soon sign an agreement of bilateral investment protection to create better environment for the two sides to develop economic ties. He said Columbia looks forward to increased investments from Chinese businesses and hopes that both sides will enhance cooperation on the exchange of students and tourism.

After the meeting, the two presidents attended a signing ceremony of the agreement on promotion and protection of investment.

Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo attended the above activities.