The two leaders witnessed the signing of three agreements covering the wine and banking sectors, as mining accident-prone China congratulated Chile on last month's dramatic rescue of 33 miners trapped for two months.

"We're happy to see you again. I'm sure this visit will bring forward further relations between our two countries," Hu told Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, who arrived in Beijing late Monday.

"I want to take the opportunity to congratulate you again the recent rescue of the miners."

Hu added: "I am ready to realise a deep exchange of ideas."

Chinese officials promised to step up implementation of underground safety systems to help miners survive accidents after the Chile mine rescue saga highlighted China's safety shortcomings.

China's mines are notorious for being among the deadliest in the world, with more than 2,600 miners killed in job-related accidents last year, according to official data -- or about seven people a day.

The Chilean mine rescue prompted new criticism -- including anger from web users -- over China's dangerous mines and officials renewed promises to address safety woes.

Pinera is due to meet China's Premier Wen Jiabao and the country's top legislator Wu Bangguo on Wednesday on the final day of his visit.

Chile signed a free-trade agreement with China in 2005, becoming the first Latin American country to sign such a deal with the Asian powerhouse.

Trade between the two countries reached 17.8 billion dollars in 2009 compared with 17.4 billion dollars in 2008, according to Chinese government data.

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