Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with his Uruguayan counterpart Tabare Vazquez during their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct 18, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Uruguayan counterpart Tabare Vazquez on Tuesday agreed to establish a strategic partnership based on respect, equality and mutual benefit.

The two heads of state made the decision during talks in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing following a red-carpet welcome ceremony.

Xi urged China and the Latin American country to maintain high-level exchanges and enhance communication at all levels to promote mutual understanding and trust.

China appreciates Uruguayan support for the Belt and Road initiative, and hopes both sides will strengthen integration of development strategies to upgrade economic and trade ties, said Xi.

China is willing to encourage more investment in Uruguay, channelled toward infrastructure projects, Xi stressed, adding that the country is also looking forward to expanding cooperation in agriculture, clean energy, communications, mining, manufacturing and finance.

In addition, Xi called on both sides to promote people-to-people exchanges and lift ties in culture, education, science and technology, Antarctica, tourism as well as football sport.

As for global affairs, Xi said that China is ready to strengthen collaboration with Uruguay in climate change, economic governance, UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, peace-keeping and South-South cooperation.

On China-Latin America relations, Xi stressed that China is a strong supporter for Latin American stability, unity and development. China is ready to work with Latin American countries to forge a community of shared future.