Beijing, December 6 (KCNA) -- China's President Hu Jintao Friday sent messages to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias and Chilean President Sebastian Pinera Echenique, congratulating them on the inauguration of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CLACS.)

In the messages Hu said the establishment of CLACS serves as a landmark in the regional integration process and makes an important contribution to strengthening the regional unity and cooperation and jointly coping with worldwide challenges.

China will boost dialogue, exchange and cooperation with CLACS and other countries of the region, striving to establish and develop a comprehensive cooperation partnership based on equality and reciprocity, he added.