Li Qiang Meets with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Moros

On the morning of September 14, 2023, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council met at the Great Hall of the People with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Moros on his state visit to China.

Li Qiang said that the decision made by President Xi Jinping and President Nicolás Maduro Moros to elevate China-Venezuela relations to an all-weather strategic partnership is an important milestone in the history of relations between the two countries. In the face of the international landscape fraught with changes and turbulence, China and Venezuela should work together firmly for joint progress, constantly deepen strategic cooperation, properly respond to risks and challenges, and better achieve win-win development. Noting next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Venezuela, Li Qiang expressed his belief that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state and with the concerted efforts of the two sides, China-Venezuela friendship and trust will be further enhanced and cooperation in various fields will be elevated to a new level.

Li Qiang pointed out that China will continue to firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding state sovereignty, national dignity and its own legitimate and lawful rights and interests, and resolutely oppose the interference of any external forces in Venezuela's internal affairs with any excuse. China is ready to work with Venezuela to implement the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, strengthen exchanges of development experience, continue to make good use of the China-Venezuela High-Level Mixed Committee mechanism, and deepen practical cooperation in various fields. The two sides should ensure the success of a series of events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year, continuously expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and better promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. China is ready to enhance multilateral coordination and cooperation with Venezuela to promote the building of a human community with a shared future.

Nicolás Maduro Moros said that China has been committed to peaceful development, pursued a development path suited to its national conditions, and made world-recognized achievements. China's development has benefited the Chinese people and the world. The establishment of an all-weather strategic partnership between Venezuela and China is an important milestone in cooperation between the Global South countries. Venezuela supports the important initiatives put forth by President Xi Jinping, and stands ready to strengthen cooperation with China in such fields as economy and trade, science and technology, agriculture, education, and culture, to usher in a bright future for bilateral relations.