Xi calls for cooperation with Uruguay in multiple areas

In a significant diplomatic engagement at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi convened on February 3, 2026, to chart a comprehensive roadmap for bilateral cooperation. The meeting marked a pivotal moment in Sino-Uruguayan relations, occurring exactly 38 years after the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

President Xi articulated a vision for strengthened alignment of development strategies across multiple sectors, emphasizing traditional areas like trade, finance, agriculture, and infrastructure while championing expansion into emerging fields including green technology, digital economy, artificial intelligence, and clean energy. This diversified approach aims to drive substantial economic transformation and growth for both countries.

The Chinese leader highlighted the timing significance of President Orsi’s visit—the first by a Latin American leader in 2026—noting that Uruguay’s upcoming leadership roles in international organizations presents unique opportunities for collaboration. China expressed support for Uruguay’s 2026 chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China, as well as its rotating presidencies of CELAC and Mercosur.

The summit produced concrete outcomes with the signing of over ten cooperation documents covering investment and trade, signaling a tangible deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership. Both leaders committed to enhancing people-to-people exchanges through cultural, educational, sports, and subnational engagement programs to strengthen the natural affinity between their citizens.

Against the backdrop of what President Xi described as ‘major changes unseen in a century’ within the international landscape, the two nations pledged to strengthen Global South solidarity and jointly promote a multipolar world order characterized by equality and inclusive economic globalization.