Luis D. Monsalve (fourth from left), Colombian ambassador to China, poses for a photo with government officials of Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo/WeChat account: XIAMENFAO]
Colombian ambassador to China Luis D. Monsalve visited Xiamen, Fujian province from July 28 to 29 with the aim of promoting economic, cultural and educational exchange between his country and the coastal city.
Yao Jianhong, deputy director of the city's foreign affairs office, accompanied the ambassador throughout his trip in Xiamen.
During the visit, the ambassador met with officials from the Xiamen bureau of commerce and several local business leaders to discuss cooperation possibilities.
Monsalve introduced to his Chinese peers Columbia's advantages in geography and natural resources, noting that the country boasts high quality agricultural products such as coffee and bananas, as well as abundant natural resources such as coal, gold and energy.
He expressed hope that Xiamen companies can invest in the country's energy and mining, infrastructure construction and hi-tech industries.
Representatives of local companies, including Xiamen C&D Light Industry Co, Xiamen ITG Holding Group Co and Xiamen Xiangyu Group also briefed the ambassador about their partnerships with Colombia at the meeting.
The ambassador then visited Xiamen University and discussed with university leaders about their communication and cooperation with the University of Los Andes in Colombia.
Monsalve also presented a letter from the mayor of Cartagena, Colombia that expressed the latter's hopes that Cartagena and Xiamen could establish sister city ties.
China now enjoys comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 23 countries after reaching an agreement on mutual visa exemption with Thailand on Jan 28.
China and Thailand signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports and passports for public affairs on Jan 28.
