CRI听力:China to Expand Satellite Tech Transfer to Venezuela

Leaders from China and Venezuela are pledging broader cooperation.

The pledge was made after a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro.

"China has full confidence in the development of our bilateral ties. We're willing to make efforts, along with Venezuela, to always be friends, to have mutual trust and be excellent partners of mutual cooperation to move our relationship ahead constantly."

Xi Jinping says China is ready to expand satellite technology transfers to Venezuela.

He also encourages Chinese companies to participate in building Venezuela's special economic zones.

Cooperation in culture, education, tourism, and media are also expected, as this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says political trust between the two sides has been solid.

"Today, we've decided to elevate that path to a higher level and declare a comprehensive strategic association between China and Venezuela. So, as of today, we begin to construct a comprehensive alliance."

Xi Jinping is in Caracas for the third leg of his tour of Latin America, which will take him to Cuba.