Chinese premier in Uruguay on first stop of regional tour

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Uruguay Friday, his first stop on a multi-nation visit to South America.

Wen's arrival marks the first time a Chinese premier has visited Uruguay since diplomatic ties were established in 1988.

In a statement, Wen said that he and his counterparts would discuss international and regional issues of mutual interest.

A Uruguay foreign ministry source told AFP there was strong government interest in having Chinese investors fund the building of a deepwater port in the southeast department of Rocha.

China is Uruguay's second-largest trading partner after Brazil.

Wen, whose stay wraps up Saturday, is also scheduled to visit Chile and Argentina on his trip to the region.