BEIJING - China will strengthen substantial cooperation to beef up ties with Colombia and create a safe and fair environment for enterprises from both sides, Vice-Premier Li Keqiang said on Tuesday.

Li made the remarks while meeting with Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Angela Holguin.

"China has always been developing ties with Colombia from a strategic level, and hopes to work closely with the country to provide a secure, fair and predictable environment for enterprises," Li said.

Calling Colombia an important country in Latin America, the vice-premier hailed the smooth growth of bilateral ties since China and Colombia forged diplomatic ties 32 years ago, citing improved political mutual trust, fruitful cooperation in trade, culture, education, technology and tourism and sound coordination in global affairs.

Li also praised the rapid development of China-Colombia ties in recent years, saying the two countries have featured fruitful cooperation exchanges in the areas of economy, education and technology, and kept close coordination in international affairs.

Under the background of profound readjustment within international relations, the global status and role of Latin America is on the rise, Li said.

As developing countries and important trading partners, China and Latin American countries enjoy broad common interests on major issues regarding world peace and development, he said, adding that there are broad prospects for future cooperation.

Both sides have strong, complimentary economies and are important trading partners Li said, calling for further cooperation in various areas, increased trade and the safeguard of the interests of the two peoples and vast developing countries.

Holguin said Colombia highly values relations with China, and hopes to strengthen trade and personnel exchanges with the country.

Colombia is ready to offer secure and favorable conditions for Chinese companies to invest and participate in building infrastructure in the country, she said.

Holguin, who just finished paying a visit to Vietnam, is visiting China from Tuesday to Wednesday as the guest of her Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi.

China Daily-Xinhua