China-Colombia.jpg (Photo : Reuters)
A top Chinese legislator arrived in Bogota, capital of Colombia, on Sunday, marking the first official visit of a high-ranking Chinese official since the South American country and China established their ties in 1980.
Zhang Deijiang, chairman of the Standing Committe of the National People's Congress, the country's national legislature, is on a diplamatic visit to the country after being invited by Colombian Congress President Jose David Name Cordozo.
One of the goals of Zhang's visit is to encourage bilateral relations, especially the two countries' legislative ties.
Wang Xiaoyuan, China's ambassador to Colombia, said that Zhang's talks with the leaders of Colombia will expand and strengthen the cooperation and exchanges between the two countries, particularly their legislatures, and elevate their overall collaboration.
Trade between China and Colombia reached a record high of $10.45 billion last year.
This year, from January to September alone, the trade totaled $12 billion, which is 74.4 percent higher than the same period in 2013 and is expected to generate another record annual total.
Zhang will be meeting with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and hold discussions with Chamber of Representatives Fabio Raul Amin Saleme along with Name.
Colombia is the second stop of the official's nine-day tour of Latin America that also includes visits to Mexico and Peru.
