Chinese Defense Minister Visits VenezuelaChinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian arrived in Venezuela Thursday at the invitation of his Venezuelan counterpart Jose Vicente Rangel for a four-day visit.In a speech made at Caracas' airport, the visiting Chinese minister expressed his pleasure in visiting Venezuela, which he said will promote the development of relations between the two countries and armed forces. Chi, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said that China views Venezuela as a country of importance in Latin America. Currently, Venezuela is playing a more important role in regional and international affairs, Chi added. "We admire very much the untiring efforts made by Venezuela's people to consolidate the democratic process, develop the national economy and form a prosperous and powerful country," said the Chinese minister, who arrived from Colombia. "We're also happy about the success achieved by the Venezuelan Armed Forces in its work of modernization," Chi said. Chi stressed that he is convinced that his visit will contribute to the mutual understanding and the further cooperation between the two nations and armed forces. |
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