Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping arrived midday on Tuesday in Caracas for an official visit to Venezuela.

In a written speech issued at Simon Bolivar International Airport, Xi said that he came to strengthen friendship, amplify consensus, deepen cooperation and to promote development.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L Front) is greeted by Venezuelan Vice President Ramon Carrizales (R Front) upon his arrival in Caracas, capital of Venezuela, Feb. 17, 2009. Xi Jinping arrived in Caracas on Feb. 17 for an official visit to Venezuela. [Ma Zhancheng/Xinhua]

He said that with his visit the China-Venezuela strategic partnership for common development is expected to obtain further advance.

Venezuelan Vice President Ramon Carrizales, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nicolas Maduro, Chinese Ambassador in Caracas Zhang Tuo and representatives of local Chinese community welcomed Xi at the airport.

Xi came from official visits in Mexico, Jamaica, Colombia, and will continue his six-nation tour in Venezuela, Brazil and Malta. 　

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L2 Front) is greeted by Venezuelan Vice President Ramon Carrizales (R Front) upon his arrival in Caracas, capital of Venezuela, Feb. 17, 2009. Xi Jinping arrived in Caracas on Feb. 17 for an official visit to Venezuela. [Ma Zhancheng/Xinhua]

 

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L Front) receives a bunch of flowers presented by a staff member of the Chinese Embassy to Venezuela greeting him upon his arrival at the airport in Caracas, capital of Venezuela Feb. 17, 2009. Xi Jinping arrived in Caracas on Feb. 17 for an official visit to Venezuela. [Ma Zhancheng/Xinhua]

(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2009)