Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with his Argentine counterpart Mauricio Macri in Johannesburg, South Africa, July 26, 2018. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

JOHANNESBURG, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Thursday that China is willing to work with Argentina to make contributions to safeguarding the multilateral trading system and improving global governance.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with his Argentine counterpart, Mauricio Macri, on the sidelines of the 10th BRICS summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 25-27.

Unilateralism and protectionism are currently on the rise, said Xi, adding that emerging markets and developing countries are facing an increasing number of challenges.

"As a sincere friend and a cooperative partner of Argentina, China supports Argentina's efforts in maintaining economic and financial stability and is willing to continue to provide assistance within our capacity," Xi said.

China has full confidence in Argentina's development prospect and the future of China-Argentina cooperation, said Xi.

The two sides should advance the joint construction of the Belt and Road, align their important development plans, expand cooperation in economy, trade, energy, mining industry and financing, promote trade liberalization and facilitation, and give full play to new cooperative models, Xi added.

China supports Argentina in hosting this year's Group of 20 (G20) summit, Xi said.

Macri thanked China for providing precious assistance to Argentina for overcoming economic difficulties and stabilizing the financial market.

Argentina is committed to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, said Macri.

Argentina hopes that the two sides could boost high-level exchanges and expand cooperation in such areas as energy, manufacturing, aviation, investment, financing and tourism, Macri added.

Argentina opposes trade protectionism and is willing to work together with China to ensure a successful G20 summit this year so as to promote international cooperation, Macri said.