On February 18, 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda at the UN, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations. With significant anniversaries approaching, both nations expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation, particularly in economic and investment fields, and supporting Bolivia’s new role as a BRICS partner.
On February 18, 2025, Wang Yi, a Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, met with Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Wang Yi highlighted the fruitful meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Luis Arce last November, which significantly enhanced mutual trust and established a strategic direction for bilateral relations.
As 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bolivia, and Bolivia’s 200th independence anniversary, Wang expressed China’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with Bolivia. He emphasized support for Chinese enterprises to invest in Bolivia to accelerate its development and improve living standards, aiming to elevate the strategic partnership to new heights.
Furthermore, Wang congratulated Bolivia on becoming a BRICS partner country, affirming China’s support for Bolivia’s enhanced role in international and regional affairs. He emphasized Latin America’s sovereignty and independence, affirming China’s commitment to being a reliable friend and partner for the region, particularly noting the significance of the China-CELAC Forum’s 10th anniversary.
Minister Sosa recognized the strong partnership between Bolivia and China, noting the successful conclusion of the prior meeting between their heads of state and the importance of shared understandings in various fields. She expressed Bolivia’s eagerness for increased Chinese investment, aimed at achieving mutual benefits and enhancing Bolivia’s capacity for independent development while maintaining a commitment to the one-China principle.
The meeting between Wang Yi and Celinda Sosa Lunda marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between China and Bolivia. With both countries celebrating major anniversaries, there exists an opportunity for enhanced cooperation in various fields. The acknowledgment of Bolivia’s new BRICS partnership signifies a shared commitment to greater engagement on the global stage while respecting Latin America’s sovereignty.
Original Source: www.mfa.gov.cn
