Chinese vice president meets Venezuelan counterpart

BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Vice President Li Yuanchao met with his Venezuelan counterpart Jorge Arreaza on Thursday.

Li said bilateral relations have witnessed rapid growth in recent years, adding that both sides should work to jointly develop a blueprint for the future development of bilateral links.

He said the two sides should maintain closer high-level contacts, expand cooperation in the areas of energy, finance and agriculture, step up exchanges regarding experience in governance and deepen their strategic partnership.

China and Venezuela established a strategic partnership of common development in 2001.

Arreaza said the new government of Venezuela will continue to prioritize its relations with China, adding that the country is ready to learn from China's experience in development and strengthen friendly cooperation in all fields.

Arreaza arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a five-day visit at Li's invitation.

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