Cultural exchange, friendship most important thing

Javier Miranda

Email of the writer: 654789759@qq.com

Javier Miranda, president of Broad Front of Uruguay, stressed that culture and friendship are the most important thing between China and the South American country at an interview yesterday during the thematic event of CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting in Shenzhen.

“The most important exchange between the two countries is not in economy, but in values, culture exchange and friendship between the two peoples,” said Miranda.

“Or we can say the expectation of cooperation not only lies in commerce, which is of course fundamental, but in the encountering of cultures and friendship. And because of this I am here attending a forum of political parties. Also the strategic alliance, in terms of politics, with the Communist Party of China and the parties of Latin America and Caribbean is central for the common development,” said Miranda.

Miranda said that in the city in Uruguay where he lives, a Confucius Institute was opened a few months ago. “This is a door to Chinese culture in the small South American country, which is Uruguay,” said Miranda.

Miranda added that of course in terms of economy and commerce, China is a very important destination for Uruguay. “China is our major destination of exportation. Our production of beef, soybean and other products all come to the market of China,” introduced Miranda.

He was impressed by the fact that China has lifted many people out of poverty.

“This year marks the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up of China, which is an initiative of Deng Xiaoping. During the 40 years, the Communist Party of China, the Chinese Government and the Chinese people have managed to lift 700 million people out of poverty. 700 million people!” said Miranda.

“You know, I come from a small country, where we are only a bit more than three million people, nothing more. However, there are still poor people in my country. So we have to learn (from China),” said Miranda.

He said that Tabare Vazquez, president of Uruguay, visited China in October 2016 and from then on, China and Uruguay have established a strategic partnership.

“In December, President Xi Jinping will visit Argentina for the G20 Summit, and we hope President Xi Jinping could visit Uruguay at that time. Argentina and Uruguay are very close to each other,” said Miranda.