Chinese Special Envoy Attends Inauguration of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

Caracas, The Gulf Observer: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s special envoy, Wang Dongming, attended the inauguration of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Friday, following an invitation from the Venezuelan government. Wang, who is also vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, met with Maduro at the presidential palace after the ceremony.

During the meeting, Wang conveyed cordial greetings and best wishes from President Xi to President Maduro and congratulated him on his re-election. Wang highlighted the strengthening of China-Venezuela relations, which were elevated to an all-weather strategic partnership during a joint announcement by Xi and Maduro in September 2023. This agreement marked the beginning of a new era in bilateral ties.

Wang further emphasized the significance of last year’s celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He noted that the deepening friendship between China and Venezuela has become firmly embedded in the hearts of both nations’ peoples.

“China is committed to working with Venezuela to implement the important consensus reached by our heads of state,” Wang said. “We will continue to consolidate and develop our traditional friendship and push forward bilateral relations for the benefit of our peoples.”

President Maduro, in turn, expressed his gratitude to Xi for sending a special envoy to attend his inauguration. He conveyed his highest respect and sincere greetings to Xi and reiterated Venezuela’s strong commitment to the China-Venezuela all-weather strategic partnership. Maduro reaffirmed Venezuela’s support for China in safeguarding its core interests and pledged to work closely with China to enhance practical cooperation in various fields. He also underscored the importance of strengthening exchanges on governance experience, aiming to elevate bilateral relations to a new level.