Venezuela

Note: This column mainly includes countries along the Belt and Road and countries that have signed cooperation agreements with China on Belt and Road Initiative.

In 2013, the People's Republic of China and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela deepened mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation in all areas and enriched their strategic partnership for common development.

The two sides maintained high-level exchanges and deepened political trust. In March, on behalf of the Chinese government, Yu Zhengsheng, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, went to the embassy of Venezuela in China to offer condolences on the passing of President Hugo Chávez due to illness. Minister Zhang Ping of the National Development and Reform Commission attended the funeral of President Chávez as special envoy of Chinese president. In April, NPC Vice Chairman Ailigeng Yimingbahai attended the inauguration ceremony of President Nicolás Maduro as special envoy of Chinese president. In May, Vice President Li Yuanchao paid an official visit to Venezuela, where he met with President Maduro and President Diosdado Cabello of the National Assembly, and held talks with Vice President Jorge Arreaza.

In September, President Maduro paid a state visit to China. He had talks with President Xi Jinping and met with Premier Li Keqiang and CPPCC Chairman Yu Zhengsheng. Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli and President Maduro attended the opening ceremony of the 12th High-level Joint Commission between the two governments. The two sides signed 12 cooperation documents, including the Minutes of the 12th High-level Joint Commission Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Third Protocol of Emendation of Agreement Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on the Joint Financing Fund, and the Agreement Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic, Service Passports and Passports for Public Affairs.

Other important visits by the Venezuelan side included those by the First Vice President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela and President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello, Vice President Jorge Arreaza, Minister of People's Power for Foreign Affairs Elías Jaua and Minister of People's Power for Petroleum and Mining Rafael Ramírez.

The two countries had closer economic ties, with practical cooperation advancing steadily in all areas. New cooperation was conducted in such priority areas as finance, energy, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure.

People-to-people and cultural exchanges were dynamic. The Chinese side successfully held a series of "Happy Spring Festival" events. A Venezuelan delegation performed at the opening concert of the first Latin America Arts Season in China.

Venezuela stayed committed to the one-China position on issues relating to Taiwan and Tibet. The two countries maintained close coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs.