On July 21, 2014, President Xi Jinping met with President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello of Venezuela in Caracas.
Upon his arrival at the National Assembly building, Diosdado Cabello, leading the Vice President, Heads of Special Committees and major members of the National Assembly of Venezuela, greeted him there. The local people gathered spontaneously at both sides of the road, cheering and saluting to President Xi Jinping. A grand welcoming ceremony was held at the scene. The military band played the national anthems of China and Venezuela and then President Xi Jinping, accompanied by Diosdado Cabello, reviewed the guard of honour.
During the meeting, Xi Jinping stressed that the international situation is now undergoing profound and complicated changes. Both China and Venezuela should boast a long-term perspective and continuously consolidate and enhance friendly cooperation. Yesterday, President Nicolás Maduro and I agreed to upgrade the bilateral relations to comprehensive strategic partnership, which is a common choice made by both sides under the new circumstances and ushers in a new chapter for bilateral relations.
Xi Jinping pointed out that the exchanges between the National People's Congress (NPC) of China and the Venezuelan National Assembly constitute an important part of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. Hope that the two sides could continue conducting contacts between the legislative bodies and political parties of both countries, enhance communications on governance and administration of state affairs, and facilitate friendly cooperation. We welcome members of Venezuelan National Assembly to visit China.
Diosdado Cabello expressed that Venezuela treasures its friendship with China and is grateful to China for its valuable support and assistance. China is a great country. The National Assembly of Venezuela firmly supports the development of bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, and will actively and effectively implement all the consensuses and agreements reached by the two sides during President Xi Jinping's visit this time, and enhance exchanges and cooperation with the NPC of China.
After the meeting, accompanied by Diosdado Cabello, Xi Jinping came to the courtyard, where local residents gathered to welcome the Chinese distinguished guests. Surrounded by singing and dancing, colorful flags fluttered in the breeze and President Xi Jinping waved hand to local people. President Xi Jinping talked warmly with the local children, who presented flowers to him. The site was permeated by a friendly atmosphere. Upon his departure, the military band played the national anthems of China and Venezuela once again, and President Xi Jinping reviewed the guard of honour. Diosdado Cabello accompanied President Xi Jinping to the car and bade him farewell warmly.
Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others were present at the meeting.