Bolivia and China strengthen bilateral relations following Beijing meeting

Photo: Bolivian Foreign Ministry.

Bolivian foreign minister Celinda Sosa met with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing, where the pair agreed on a plan to strengthen bilateral cooperation and multilateral coordination between Bolivia and China. 

Wang Yi highlighted the “traditional friendship” between the two countries, underlining mutual understanding and support. Next year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bolivia, an opportunity to push the strategic partnership to a new level. Both nations pledged to strengthen political trust, increase exchanges between governments and political parties, as well as cooperation in areas such as digital economy, agriculture and green development.

Coordination on multilateral strategies, and upholding the common interests of the Global South and the principles of the UN Charter were also emphasized during the meeting, which was part of Sosa’s state visit to China. 

Wang Yi mentioned the importance of harnessing the potential for cooperation in new areas and strengthening ties in governance, digital economy, agriculture, and information and communication.

The meeting follows Sosa’s recent visit to Russia, where she met with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, who extended an invitation to Bolivian president Luis Arce to participate in the St. Petersburg Economic Forum. Russia also supported Bolivia’s aspiration to join the BRICS bloc and criticized the role of NATO. 

The importance of this alliance lies in the diversification of Bolivia’s international relations and its search for economic and political opportunities in a changing global context. 

However, it also poses challenges, especially in terms of balancing different alliances and managing conflicting interests among world powers. Ultimately, Bolivia’s ability to capitalize on these relationships will depend on its ability to navigate a geopolitically complex world and take advantage of the opportunities that arise.\

Main source:

Bolivia y China acuerdan plan para fortalecer relaciones bilaterales y coordinación multilateral | La Razón (April 29, 2024)

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