Chile, Mexico sign strategic partnership agreement
Chilean President Ricardo Lagos and his Mexican counterpart Vicente Fox signed an agreement on strategic and cooperative partnership to boost bilateral cooperation in politics, economy and trade, culture, education and science.

The agreement, signed at Chilean coastal resort of Vina del Mar,was also meant to promote regional integrity.

Under the document, the two countries will further expand trade cooperation of mutual benefit, open high-level dialogue between the two governments, continue to coordinate their stances in international organizations, and conduct political consultation, scientific cooperation and cultural exchanges.

The document is also a supplement for the bilateral free trade agreement signed by the two countries in 1998.

This is the first time for two Latin American countries to signa bilateral agreement on building strategic relations and advancing comprehensive cooperation.

According to statistics provided by the Chilean central bank, Chile's export to Mexico reached 1.582 billion U.S. dollars and its import from Mexico 7,189 million dollars in 2005, up 19.1 percent and 22.4 percent respectively over 2004.

Fox, who arrived in Santiago for a state visit on Wednesday, isexpected to conclude his visit and return home on Friday. During his stay in Chile, the two presidents held talks for several times and exchanged views on bilateral relations, regional cooperation and international issues.