China, Venezuela agree stronger strategic partnership

BEIJING, Sept. 22 -- China and Venezuela on Sunday pledged to seek a stronger strategic partnership.

The pledge came out of the talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at the Great Hall of the People on Sunday.

Xi gave a red-carpet welcome ceremony to Maduro, who is paying his first state visit to China from Saturday to Tuesday.

During their hour-long talks, Xi said Venezuela is an important country in Latin America and reviewed the sound development of China-Venezuela relations.

Xi recalled late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, saying he was a great friend of the Chinese people and hailing his contribution to bilateral relations.

China appreciates Maduro and the new Venezuelan government for continuing Chavez's friendly policy with China and giving priority to developing bilateral relations, Xi said.

Stressing China-Venezuela relations are now connecting the past and the future, Xi called on the two countries to deepen friendly relations and bring their strategic partnership to a new high.

Xi said China and Venezuela should keep high-level visits, deepen the interactions between governments, legislative bodies and parties and share experiences on party building and economic development.