The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, Francisco Bustillo, highlighted on Monday the importance of deepening the bilateral relationship between Uruguay and China and transform existing mutual trust into new instruments and tangible benefits for both peoples. During his official visit to China, the Uruguayan foreign minister met with one of the trusted men of the Chinese president, Xi Jinpingthe president of the Overseas Chinese People’s Friendship Association, lin songtianto talk about the negotiations towards a FTA with the Asian giant.
From Montevideo, the government of Luis Lacalle Pou said that Uruguay and China maintain an “excellent state” of bilateral links and both countries have agreed on the need to continue deepening your business relationship.
This visit by Bustillo has generated various discussions within Mercosur, especially with Argentina, but Brazil has expressed its support for a Mercosur-China agreement.
China is Uruguay’s main export destination
Notably China is Uruguay’s main trading partner and in 2022, 28% of the exports of goods from the small South American nation went to China.
In commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, a reception was offered that was attended by a hundred people, including local government officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps and Uruguayans residing in the Asian country.
Bustillo also had a meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gangand with the Vice Minister of Commerce and Deputy Representative of International Trade Negotiations, wang shouwenwith the aim of continuing to strengthen bilateral exchanges between Uruguay and China.
The government of China is made up of a one-party structure, led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which controls all the political and military institutions of the country. The National People’s Congress is the legislative body of the country, while the council of stateheaded by the president on duty, is the Executive body.
All the high officials of the government and state institutions are members of the party, which gives it absolute power and influence.
