China, Venezuela vow close collaboration as FMs meet in Beijing

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday met with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto in Beijing, and the two sides vowed to collaborate closely with each other in the global multilateral sphere.

Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, called on both sides to make strategic plans with a forward-looking perspective to inject new connotations into the two countries' all-weather strategic partnership.

Wang said China supports Venezuela in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity and supports the country in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions.

China is ready to work with Venezuela to further expand bilateral trade and areas of cooperation, and help Venezuela accelerate its industrialization process and economic diversification, said Wang.

He called on China and Venezuela, as important members of the Global South, to collaborate closely in the global multilateral sphere and jointly respond to global challenges.

As Latin American and Caribbean countries are an important part of the Global South, he said China hopes Latin American countries will uphold unity, cooperation, and independence, adding that China will continue to be a reliable partner in achieving development and prosperity.

For his part, Gil said the Venezuelan side firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports China on issues concerning China's core interests, such as national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Speaking highly of China's upholding fairness and justice in international affairs, he said Venezuela is willing to work with China to maintain close communication and collaboration and promote the continuous development of Latin America-China relations.

Gil also called on both sides to jointly oppose hegemony and illegal unilateral sanctions and defend the common interests, fairness and justice of the Global South.

He added that Venezuela appreciates the six common understandings for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis issued by China and Brazil.