China and Venezuela set to establish ‘all-weather strategic partnership’

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Chinese President Xi Jinping and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced Wednesday a decision to upgrade that relationship to an "all-weather strategic partnership."

The decision came during Maduro’s week-long state visit to Beijing at the invitation of the Chinese president.

"China always views ties with Venezuela from a strategic height and a long-term perspective, supporting Venezuela to safeguard national sovereignty, national dignity and social stability and oppose external interference," said Xi, Beijing-based Global News reported on X.

The pair of leaders also inked multiple cooperation agreements on areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, economy, education, technology and aerospace.

Maduro’s visit will conclude Thursday.