Chinese vice president Xi Jinping visits Venezuela

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He arrived at noon on Tuesday here for an official visit to this South American country.

In a written speech issued upon his arrival, Xi said that he came to strengthen friendship, amplify consensus, deepen cooperation and to promote development.

He said that with his visit the China-Venezuela strategic partnership for common development is expected to advance further.

Venezuelan Vice President Ramon Carrizales, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nicolas Maduro, Chinese Ambassador to Caracas Zhang Tuo and representatives of local Chinese community welcomed Xi at the airport.

Venezuela is the fourth leg of Xi's six-nation tour which has taken him to Mexico, Jamaica, Colombia. He will also visit Brazil and Malta.

In Colombia on Monday, Xi urged enhanced exchanges between the legislatures of China and Colombia to promote bilateral ties.

Xi made the call during a meeting with Colombian parliament leaders -- Hernan Andrade, president of both the Colombian Congress and the Senate, and German Varon, president of the Chamber of Representatives.