China, Venezuela to bolster military, technical cooperation

China and Venezuela took another step Friday to strengthen military and technical cooperation, with a meeting between Venezuelan Defense Minister Gen. Vladimir Padrino and visiting Army Commander of the Lanzhou Military Region, Liu Yuejun.

During the talks held at the Defense Ministry in Caracas, Padrino welcomed Liu, saying the South American nation is "grateful (for) and comfortable" with the progress made in military cooperation.

Liu highlighted the success and milestones reached by the Venezuelan armed forces in their military development.

"We come here to maintain our contacts and meet with the top military leaders, but also to learn from Venezuela's experience in the development of their armed forces," said the envoy, adding the two armed forces can learn from each others techniques.

"This visit by Army Commander Liu Yuejun deepens our bonds of friendship and cooperation, which we have been building since former President Hugo Chavez strengthened bilateral ties," said Padrino.

"We plan to review all our agreements signed in January of this year when President Nicolas Maduro visited Beijing," said Padrino, expressing satisfaction with the accords.

There's common ground between the two nations for expanding military cooperation beyond the technical field, to include education and logistics.

"Earlier this year we signed a military cooperation agreement that also involves science and technology, innovation and production for the defense of both countries," said the Venezuelan minister.

Liu and his military delegation are to visit the Venezuelan Military University in Caracas and watch military exercises and drills in several other places of the country. Endi