Brazilian president elaborates on three-pronged China visit

BEIJING - The Brazil-China ties are of great strategic importance not only for the two countries, but also for the rest of the world, Brazilian President Michel Temer said in a signed article published Thursday in Chinese media before he travels to China to attend a BRICS summit.

The bilateral ties are mutually beneficial, with Brazil being a reliable supplier of agricultural products and raw materials and also a secure destination for Chinese investment, the Brazilian leader said.

He expects to have discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang about further enhancement of bilateral trade relations and seeking new ways to bring closer the two peoples.

Brazil hopes to simplify visa procedures, strengthen cultural exchanges and encourage tourism between the two countries, according to Temer's article.

The two countries have jointly safeguarded free trade and voiced strong opposition to protectionist measures, he said, adding that they also abide by rules of the World Trade Organization and stand firm honoring their pledges under the Paris climate deal.

Such identical or similar positions by the two countries on various issues show that they are not simply two countries bound together by their common interests, but crucial stabilizing force in multilateral frameworks.

The second part of his China visit is to interact with entrepreneurs who intend to go to Brazil for economic and trade cooperation, Temer said.

The Brazilian president said that he would have two good opportunities -- one is to attend a seminar held in Beijing by the Brazilian government, and the other is to attend a BRICS business forum in Xiamen, China.

Since 2009, China has been the largest trade partner of Brazil, and China is Brazil's top export destination for the first half of 2017, accounting for one-fourth of Brazil's total exports, he said.

In addition, Chinese enterprises have invested significantly in infrastructure, energy, mining, electronics, telecommunications and other areas in Brazil, he added.

"What is greater than our existing economic relations is the potential for cooperation between us," Temer highlighted.