China, Chile to expand co-op in culture, public affairs

BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua)-- China and Chile will join hands to enhance bilateral cooperation and exchanges in social and public service affairs, according to a joint press communique released here on Monday.

Culture and education, technology, sport, medical treatment and sanitation, tourism, judicature, social security and environment protection are among the areas of potential cooperation and exchange.

Chile announced it will provide Chinese graduate students with scholarships, and will hold an exhibition on the topic of "The Origin of Chile", in a bid to promote understanding between their peoples.

The two sides also expressed their willingness to strengthen experience exchanges and communication in public management and social policy, with the view to further upgrading existed cooperation mechanism.

The communique was signed during Chilean President Michelle Bachelet Jeria's five-day state visit in China. Bachelet has just attended this year's annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in Sanya.

While in Beijing, Bachelet also met Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo and premier Wen Jiabao, and discussed bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues.

Bachelet extended her best wishes for a successful Beijing Olympic Games and the Shanghai 2010 World Expo.