August 25, 2006
Chinese premier calls Venezuela 'important economic partner'

(News agency Xinhua) - "China is willing to work with the Venezuela side to push forward the bilateral strategic partnership, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao when meeting with visiting Venezuelan President Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías.

Wen said the two countries have recognized and developed strategic bilateral relations in recent years. Exchanges and cooperation have produced good results in all fields.

He said Venezuela is an important economic partner for China in Latin America. Trade volume has doubled compared with four years ago.

The two sides should expand cooperation, promote cooperative mechanisms and encourage investment in each other's countries, he said.

Chávez said he and Chinese President Hu Jintao had made significant steps forward in yesterday's talks and the consensus that they reached will ensure a better development of bilateral relations and cooperation in all fields.

He said he agreed with Wen's suggestion on expanding economic cooperation, which has great potential.

Venezuela is willing to take concrete measures with China to push the cooperation forward, Chávez said.

Chávez arrived in Beijing as Chinese President Hu Jintao's guest on Tuesday night, starting a six-day state visit to China.

He will also visit the eastern province of Shandong.

This is Chávez's fourth visit to China. The previous three visits were in October 1999, May 2001 and December 2004".