Vice Foreign Minister Li Jinzhang gives a speech for attendees of the China-Latin America and the Caribbean Think Tank Forum held in Beijing on November 9 (WANG LEI)

China will continue to build stronger ties with Latin American nations 50 years after they first established diplomatic relations, said a senior Chinese diplomat at the China-Latin America and the Caribbean Think Tank Forum held in Beijing on November 9.

The two sides should ensure the "sustainable development" of bilateral relations by exploring new areas of cooperation, said Vice Foreign Minister Li Jinzhang.

The forum was held as part of a series of events marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Latin American countries.

While continuing to boost political, economic and cultural exchanges, China and Latin American countries should also be sure to coordinate their efforts to jointly safeguard the interests of the developing world, Li added.

China forged diplomatic ties with Cuba in September 1960, opening the door to its relations with Latin American countries. In November 2008, the Chinese Government released its first policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean, in which it reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnerships with those regions.

Over the past five decades, the two sides have maintained frequent official and nongovernmental exchanges while developing a thriving economic partnership, Li said.

Official Chinese statistics state that two-way trade soared from tens of millions of dollars in the 1960s to more than $100 billion in 2009. While China imports Latin American countries' materials, Chinese electrical products and textiles are in great demand in Latin America.

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Vice Foreign Minister Li Jinzhang gives a speech for attendees of the China-Latin America and the Caribbean Think Tank Forum held in Beijing on November 9 (WANG LEI)