On May 8, 2018, Director-General of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Zhao Bentang and Managing Director for Americas of the European External Action Service Edita Hrda held the 2nd consultation on Latin American affairs at the headquarters of the European Union (EU) in Brussels.

Zhao Bentang expressed that the general elections in various Latin American and Caribbean countries brought new changes to regional political situation and economic development, but they will still maintain the momentum of stable growth in general. China-Latin America cooperation upholds the concepts of equality and mutual benefit, openness and inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, and plays a positive role in promoting respective development and increasing the well-being of people. The joint construction of the "Belt and Road" by China and Latin America will promote optimization, upgrading, innovation and development of bilateral cooperation. China stands ready to, together with the EU, conduct trilateral cooperation with Latin America following the principle of being initiated, agreed and led by Latin America. Against the backdrop that the momentum of recovery of the current world economy still remains fragile, various countries in the world including China, the EU and Latin America, should actively expand opening up and cooperation, oppose protectionism, and address relevant trade disputes by making the cake bigger.

Edita Hrda expressed that the EU and Latin America have similar values and close traditional contacts. The EU attaches importance to deepening cooperation with Latin America in such fields as economy and trade, drug control, immigration and security, and will issue a new policy paper towards Latin America. The EU values China's role in Latin American affairs and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China. The practice of protectionism also has a negative impact on Europe. The EU understands China's relevant position.

Both sides also exchanged views on the situation of relevant Latin American countries, respective relations with organizations within the region and other topics.