China vows closer cooperation with Venezuela

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-04-09 23:11

BEIJING -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met with visiting Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez here on Thursday, vowing closer bilateral cooperation in energy, agriculture, infrastructure and high-tech areas against the background of the global financial crisis.

China vows closer cooperation with Venezuela

In this February 17, 2009 file photo, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping makes a speech at a business seminar in Caracas, Venezuela. [Xinhua]

Xi recalled his pleasant journey to Venezuela in February, expressing appreciation for the hospitality of the country and people. He believes Chavez's current trip would further enhance the China-Venezuela strategic partnership.

He said the two presidents had reached an important consensus during their meeting when Chavez visited China last year, adding both sides would cooperate closely to implement the consensus and promote closer cooperation in such key areas as energy, agriculture, infrastructure and high technology.

To promote China-Venezuela mutual benefits and common prosperity not only helps the long-term development of ties, but also helps the two countries to stand against the global financial crisis and contribute to global economic recovery, Xi said.

Chavez told Xi he had a very good meeting with President Hu on Wednesday. Currently the two countries enjoy vigorous cooperation in various areas, and the China-Venezuela joint financing fund is making good progress.

Venezuela is ready to beef up cooperation with China amid the spreading global financial crisis, he added.

China and Venezuela signed an agreement in February on the joint financing fund, with the goal to expand the fund to US$12 billion.

The two nations set up the fund at the beginning of the decade to finance projects in Venezuela, with US$4 billion contributed by China and US$2 billion from Venezuela.

Invited by President Hu, Chavez arrived in Beijing on Tuesday night for a working visit. He will conclude his visit and leave Beijing on Thursday night.