Li Tieying, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), Monday met with a delegation of the Movement Fifth Republic of Venezuela in Beijing.

During the past three decades after the two countries forged diplomatic ties, China and Venezuela have scored steady progress in collaboration and exchanges in many areas, Li said.
 
"The Chinese people have always paid attention to the development in Venezuela and we are expecting the upcoming visit by President Hugo Chavez to China," Li said.

Li also asked Maduro to convey his congratulations to Chavez on his victory in a national referendum in August, which allowed Chavez to retain his post till January, 2007.

Delegation head Nicolas Maduro said the delegation attaches importance to the visit and wishes to learn from China in exploring a development mode beneficial to its people.

Venezuelan President Chavez will pay a state visit to China from Dec. 22 to 26 at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

(Xinhua News Agency December 21, 2004)