President Xi meets with Venezuelan president

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at Great Hall?of People?on Tuesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday.

Xi welcomed Maduro, who will be attending the upcoming commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War Against Japanese Aggression and World War II.

China is glad to see the China-Venezuela comprehensive strategic partnership develop smoothly, Xi said, adding that he is ready to foster friendship and cooperation jointly with Maduro to benefit both peoples.

He said he hopes the two countries will continue to support each other on core interests and work together on major international issues.

He said he also hopes the two sides can boost practical cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit, take full advantage of the current financing mechanism and explore cooperation in fields such as finance, mining and agriculture.

China would like to help Venezuela improve its industrial capacity, Xi said, adding the two sides should strengthen cultural, educational, youth and other exchanges.

Maduro said Venezuela values its comprehensive strategic partnership with China and is willing to enhance cooperation in energy, finance and other fields and maintain close coordination and collaboration on international issues.