Beijing, February 4 (RHC-teleSUR) -- As part of her official trip to China, Argentine President Cristina Fernandez met with her counterpart Xi Jinping on Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People in which they ratified 15 bilateral agreements.

China's President Xi said: "We have always believed that China and Argentina are very close in strategic cooperation ...Joint beneficiary development, equal benefits, and joint-development are all part of the Chinese-Argentine comprehensive cooperative partnership. I am filled with confidence about the prospects of the friendly cooperation between China and Argentina."

During the visit, the first Chinese branch of Banco Nacion opened its doors in Beijing yesterday, in an event headed by Economy Minister Axel Kicillof. The branch's main objective will be to act as a representative office and to give advice to Chinese firms interested in investing in Argentina.

Additionally, China ratified its intention yesterday to build Argentina's fourth nuclear power plant, which is set to be finished eight years from now. Argentine Planning Minister Julio De Vido revealed that the Chinese branch of Siemens is interested in taking part in these plans. Siemens is particularly eager to provide equipment for Argentina's fourth and fifth nuclear power reactors.

The various agreements coincide with a recent financial commitment by President Xi Jinping in the recent China –Celac meeting held in Beijing, that the government has earmarked a budget of US$250,000 million to invest in Latin America over the next ten years.