19 February 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Argentine Republic and the People's Republic of China. The year 2022 has therefore been designated by both countries as the Year of Argentina-China Friendship and Cooperation, and this is a good opportunity to reflect on the road travelled and on the promising prospects for our bilateral relations. 

Nowadays, both countries are deeply committed to achieving sustainable development based on inclusion and social justice. In a global context of growing inequalities, such commitment acquires even greater significance. Since no one is saved alone, it is necessary to strengthen solidarity and the spirit of cooperation, all the more so considering that China is an important partner of Argentina.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges to every country, but it is during trying times that friendships are put to the test. In this challenging context, back in 2020, Argentina and China mobilized efforts for broad cooperation in health, coordinated promptly and at the highest level, which helped strengthen the bilateral relationship. Such joint action is a testimony to the current strength of the bilateral relationship, with all the necessary elements to continue boosting the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between us.

In the past years, we have made significant progress on cooperation in trade, investments, finance, infrastructure, agriculture, science and technology, space matters, the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, education, culture, and sports, to name but a few examples. In addition, Argentina and China share positions regarding several topics on the international agenda, such as the defence of multilateralism, the protection of the environment and South-South Cooperation. China reaffirms its support for Argentina's demand for the full exercise of sovereignty in the Question of Malvinas Islands and its support for an early resumption of negotiations in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions for a peaceful settlement of the dispute.

President Fernandez's recent visit to Beijing resulted in significant consensus and translated into the execution of 14 agreements, including the Memorandum of Understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative, for the purpose of strengthening the promotion of actions and works to enhance the bilateral economic relationship. 

The next step is to implement the agreements and consensus reached between both countries. In matters of commerce, there is a commitment to continue to increase the trade volume and to encourage product diversification. In infrastructure, both countries jointly identified projects to be carried out in Argentina, and options are being explored for the purpose of increasing the local component. Argentina's priority areas for the promotion of Chinese investment have also been identified, with a view to enhancing the exports offer, thus contributing to productive development and to job creation. On the financial front, we will continue to strengthen co-operation within the framework of the currency swap agreements between central banks. In science and technology, I am certain that the agreements executed will contribute to consolidate bilateral co-operation in areas of strategic importance.  

The beginning of 2022, although still complex in terms of health challenges, finds us looking ahead into the future with hope: Argentina and China are heading towards a horizon of joint work that will boost even further the vast potential of the relationship and contribute to the mutual prosperity of our peoples.

The author is the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Argentina.