国内英语资讯:Xi arrives in Ecuador, kicking off third LatAm visit since 2013_时事

国内英语资讯:Xi arrives in Ecuador, kicking off third LatAm visit since 2013

QUITO, Nov. 17 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here Thursday afternoon, kicking off a state visit to Ecuador and his third visit to Latin America since he took office in 2013.

Besides Ecuador, the week-long tour will also take him to Peru and Chile. In Peru, Xi will attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting from Nov. 19 to 20 in the capital city of Lima.

Xi's Quito trip is the first state visit by a Chinese head of state to Ecuador in 36 years since the two countries forged diplomatic relations in 1980.

During his stay in Quito, Xi will exchange views with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa on bilateral ties, according to Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao.

The two presidents will also witness the signing of a series of deals, meet with the press and attend a launch ceremony of an assistance program together. A joint statement is expected to be issued by the two sides.

Xi will also meet with Ecuadorian President of the National Assembly Gabriela Rivadeneira, Wang said.

Ecuador hopes President Xi's "historic" visit leads to strengthening strategic ties, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Guillaume Long told Xinhua ahead of the visit, adding that "the ties with China in recent years have been very fruitful, very significant."

Since President Correa came to power in 2007, Ecuador has focused on deepening ties with China. The Ecuadorian president's first official trip to Beijing took place in the same year of his inauguration, to bolster cooperation with China in different fields, from energy, science and technology, to economy, trade and education.