BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Peruvian President Ollanta Humala Tasso on Wednesday.

Xi recalled Humala's visit to China last year during which they announced the upgrading of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi urged both countries to enhance high-level contact and exchanges between governments, legislative organizations and parties; the promotion and development of a bilateral free trade area; and the cementing of cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, mining, infrastructure and agriculture.

China will actively participate in the construction of a railway running from the Peruvian Pacific coast to the Brazilian Atlantic coast, Xi said.

The president vowed to play a constructive role in the upcoming UN-sponsored Climate Change Conference to be held in Lima, the Peruvian capital, in December.

The first ministerial meeting of a forum between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States will be held in Beijing next year. Xi called for joint efforts with Peru to prepare for the meeting, which aims to boost stronger China-Latin America cooperation.

Humala congratulated Xi for hosting a successful Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, vowing to work with China on the establishment of an Asia-Pacific free trade area.

He pledged enhanced cooperation with China to cope with various global challenges.

Peru welcomes Chinese companies to participate in the country's infrastructure building and mine, gas and hydroelectric exploration works, he said.

Humala expressed his willingness to step up exchanges with China in such areas as culture, education and training.

After their talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements including the setting up of a China-Peru-Brazil working group on the construction of a railway from the Peruvian Pacific coast to the Brazilian Atlantic coast.

Humala arrived in Beijing early Monday morning to attend the APEC meeting and pay a working visit to China.