On the afternoon of April 8, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao met cordially in the Great Hall of the People with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez who was on a working visit to China. The two sides exchanged views on the bilateral relations and other issues of common concern and reached important consensus.

Hu noted that the China-Venezuela relations enjoy a sound momentum of development. The frequent contacts between the leaders of the two countries have promoted the all-round and in-depth development of bilateral ties. The trade, economic and technological cooperation between China and Venezuela has achieved new outcomes and some key cooperation projects are well underway. The two sides keep close communications and coordination in international and regional affairs, with which we feel satisfied.

He said that both China and Venezuela stand at a critical development stage. To further strengthen the bilateral pragmatic cooperation in various fields under the current complicated and fluctuating international situation is of realistic significance to the two countries to cope with the international financial crisis and will consolidate the foundation for the long-term development of China-Venezuela relations. China attaches great importance to the relations with Venezuela. We are ready to join hands with Venezuela to further implement the consensus reached between both sides, deepen and expand the mutually beneficial cooperation in such key sectors as energy, agriculture, infrastructure and high-tech and promote the rapid development of China-Venezuela strategic partnership in an active, pragmatic, efficient and win-win manner in order to realize common development.

Chavez said that the people of Venezuela and China enjoy profound friendship. The bilateral relations develop fast and new achievements have been made in various fields such as energy, agriculture, industry, science and technology. In particular, the Venezuelan people are elated and inspired by the successful launch and delivery of Venezuela 1 Telecom Satellite. At present, the world order is experiencing fundamental changes and the economic crisis continues spreading. China has played an important role of helping the world cope with the crisis. Venezuela is willing to reinforce cooperation with China under new circumstances to address the challenges of the financial crisis.

State Councilor Dai Bingguo was also present at the meeting.