Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed hope that China's relationships with Venezuela will further expand after meeting his Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during the Venezuela leg of his four-country tour in Latin America

First on the agenda for the two presidents was an upgrade of the relations between their countries from a strategic partnership for common development to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Xinhua reports.

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At his arrival in Caracas, Xi addressed his counterpart expressing his thoughts and hopes for the future cooperation with Venezuela.

"I look forward to drawing a roadmap for developing our bilateral ties together with President Maduro," Xi said

The Chinese President also commented on how China will talk directly with the Venezuelan people on all aspects of life, to promote the friendship and bring it even further.

China and Venezuela have had diplomatic relations since 40 years ago, and bilateral trade has increased from US$1.4 million to US$19.2 billion over the years.

Venezuela is China's fourth largest trading partner in Latin America, while China is number two on Venezuela's top list of trading partners.

Energy cooperation and contracted projects are of great importance for both countries.

During Xi' visit it is expected that a series of cooperation agreements will be inked within finance, infrastructure construction and high-tech.

Among the Chinese companies already present in Venezuela are Huawei, ZTE, Chery Automobile, Qianjiang Motorcycle and Haier as examples. Companies that have set up factories in Venezuela and with their low-priced quality products have become very popular among Venezuelan consumers.

Former President Hugo Chavez laid out a solid foundation for a fruitful partnership with his six visits to China. Last year current president Maduro visited China.

Besides discussing and signing trade agreements the two presidents will attend the closing ceremony of the 13th meeting of the China-Venezuela High-Level Joint Commission.

After his visit to Venezuela, Xi will visit Cuba as the fourth and last country on his trip around Latin America.

TagsVenezuela