CARACAS, Jan. 9  -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Friday that China is the great economic and political power of the 21st century without intention to "dominate, plunder and colonize" other nations.

In exclusive statements to the state-run Venezolana de Television from Beijing, Maduro said that China, as a great world power, plays an integral role in promoting global stability and common development.

Maduro was in China for the opening ceremony of the first ministerial meeting of the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which concluded Friday.

He noted that China has built a society of justice and equality and made major social developments in the past decades.

"China has an economic and social development plan till 2050. It has become the economic world power of the 21st century," said the president.

During his visit to China, Maduro met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who promised an "enhanced cooperation" in areas such as energy, infrastructure, transportation and telecommunications.

Regarding bilateral ties, Maduro praised the vision of the late President Hugo Chavez, who forged close ties with Beijing.

"Commander Chavez built the roads and we will continue with loyalty, creativity and commitment. The partnerships and alliances with sister nations will help us achieve the historic feat of advancing to a future of development just like China has," he said.

Maduro will continue his international tour with his first visit as head of state to the Islamic Republic of Iran, where he will meet with President Hassan Rouhani on the recent fall in oil prices.

He will then travel to Saudi Arabia and Algeria, member nations of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to discuss joint strategies in response to the dropping oil prices.