Venezuela and Cuba have signed an agreement on maritime cooperation, the Bolivarian News Agency reported Friday.

The agreement was signed by the National Maritime Territory Institute and the Transportation Ministry of Cuba, the agency reported without saying when the document was signed.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in building and repairing ships.

Venezuela has maintained a close relationship with Cuba since Hugo Chavez took office as president in 1999. The two countries have signed a series of cooperation deals in such fields as education, health, sports and petroleum.

Source: Xinhua