BEIJING: China and Venezuela elevated their ties to an all-weather strategic partnership on Wednesday, as the countries agreed to advance cooperation on the joint building of the Belt and Road, economy and trade, education, tourism, science and technology, health, aerospace and civil aviation.
President Xi Jinping and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Moros jointly announced the elevation of the countries’ ties, and witnessed the signing of the agreements after their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two countries issued a joint statement on the establishment of the all-weather strategic partnership.
Maduro is making a weeklong state visit to China at the invitation of President Xi. The visit, which runs through Thursday, marks his fifth trip to China as Venezuelan president. It also took him to Shenzhen, Guangdong province, as well as Shanghai and Shandong province.
During their talks, Xi spoke highly of the development of China-Venezuela relations in recent years, saying that the two countries are good friends who trust each other and are good partners for common development.
He told Maduro that China has always viewed its relationship with Venezuela from a strategic and long-term perspective, firmly supporting Venezuela’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, dignity and social stability, as well as its efforts to oppose external interference.
Both sides should push for more fruitful results in China-Venezuela strategic cooperation, bringing more benefits to the two peoples and injecting more positive energy into world peace and development, he added.
Xi briefed Maduro about China’s reform and opening-up, especially the construction of special economic zones. He noted that reform and opening-up is an important instrument for China to catch up with the times in great strides and a crucial move in making China what it is today.
“China cherishes the valuable experience gained in this process and will continue to advance reform and opening-up. No force can stop China’s progress and development,” Xi said.
Noting that China supports Venezuela in establishing special economic zones, Xi said that the nation is ready to share relevant experiences to help advance Venezuela’s development.
As next year marks the 50th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic ties, Xi called on both sides to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges and promote practical cooperation in various fields. China is willing to import more high-quality and distinctive Venezuelan products, Xi said. –The Daily Mail-China Daily news exchange item
