This was underlined by the President during the 17th China-Venezuela High-Level Joint Commission. Maduro also highlighted the 31 collaboration agreements signed by both parties during his stay in China.

The agreements cover issues such as digital economy, tourism, high technology, agriculture, direct air connection through Conviasa and aerospace cooperation in the China International Station project. Maduro also announced a greater Chinese presence in the Bolivarian mining area, “the first reserve of gold diamonds, coltan and other rare and strategic minerals”.

The head of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, the country’s highest planning body, Zheng Shanjie, said that economic cooperation has made numerous advances, “taking oil and financing as priority areas in accordance with the principle of mutual benefit”.

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