Colombian president begins China visit with trade, infrastructure on agenda

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Colombian President Gustavo Petro began a three-day state visit to China on Tuesday.

Petro is visiting Beijing at the invitation of China’s President Xi Jinping.

During his meetings in China, Petro is expected to discuss the ways how Colombia can overcome the trade deficit with China while also improving the profile of the debt with China in terms of payment timings.

The two sides will also discuss development of railway infrastructure in Colombia’s capital Bogota, according to the South American nation’s presidency.

Xi is scheduled to host Petro at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday for delegation-level talks. The two sides are expected to discuss the Belt and Road Initiative as well.

China is the second-largest trading partner of Colombia and this year the two nations are celebrating 43 years of diplomatic relations.

It was in 1980 that Colombia switched relations from Taiwan to Beijing.