By Laura Gamba
BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Peru’s capital Thursday for a state visit and to attend a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum at the invitation of President Dina Boluarte.
Xi was received by Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen, who stood in for Boluarte while she attended other APEC commitments.
In a written statement by Xi released by his team, the president said that “megaprojects of bilateral cooperation in mining and infrastructure construction have been advancing steadily, bringing tangible benefits” for China and Peru.
“I am very pleased to be able to make a state visit to the Republic of Peru and attend the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, in response to the kind invitation of President Dina Boluarte,” he said, adding “the friendship between China and Peru is deeply rooted.”
Peru is one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic relations with China, he noted.
The Chinese leader is expected to attend the inauguration of a massive Chinese-funded megaport in the city of Chancay -- a $1.3 billion complex designed to be a major commercial hub and one of Beijing's most ambitious infrastructure projects in Latin America, where the Asian giant has expanded its investments in recent years.
Built by Chinese state-owned company Cosco Shipping, it will attract the largest container ships and reduce the sea journey to China by 12 days.
"Chancay will revolutionize trade and dynamize the Asia-Pacific economy," Boluarte said in a speech Thursday at the APEC CEO Summit.
Xi and Boluarte are expected to sign bilateral agreements covering trade and cooperation.
China is Peru's main trading partner, with investments in the South American nation amounting to $38.8 billion between 2001 and 2023 in mining and infrastructure.
Xi will use the trip to meet with his US counterpart Joe Biden and other leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
The Chinese leader is set to make a state visit next week to Brazil, where he will attend the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.