Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China

On January 25, 2022, Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang met with Venezuelan Minister for Science and Technology Gabriela JiménezRamírez via video link. The two ministers had an in-depth exchange of views on China-Venezuela cooperation on science, technology and innovation (STI).

Minister Wang Zhigang said that STI cooperation is an important underpinning of the China-Venezuela comprehensive strategic partnership. The meeting between the two ministers is an important step in implementing the consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on deepening bilateral relations and strengthening exchanges and cooperation in areas such as pandemic control. China-Venezuela cooperation on science and technology has produced fruitful results at both bilateral, regional and multilateral levels and contributed to a better life and economic growth of both countries. China will continue to strengthen bilateral and multilateral coordination and communication with the Venezuelan side in the field of science and technology, explore new modes of mutually beneficial cooperation, increase exchanges between young scientists, leverage the positive role of STI cooperation in boosting the socio-economic development of both countries, and contribute the strength of science and technology to the growth of China-Venezuela relations.

Minister Gabriela Jiménez-Ramírez applauded China’s STI achievements, and conveyed the appreciation of the Venezuelan government and people for China’s support and assistance in the fight against COVID-19. She pointed out that the Venezuelan side attaches great importance to its science and technology relations with China and stands ready to draw upon China’s expertise and practices. The Venezuelan side looks forward to working with China to further enhance the synergy of science and technology policies and strategies, carry out mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas of mutual interest, and take concrete actions to promote the scientific and technological progress of both countries for the benefit of their people.

Chinese Ambassador to Venezuela Li Baorong and Minister-Counsellor of the Venezuelan Embassy in China Maria Ramos attended the meeting and delivered speeches. Ambassador Li Baorong pointed out that the two countries have enjoyed fruitful cooperation in the field of science and technology, and hoped that STI cooperation could become a new highlight of the results-oriented cooperation between the two countries and play a still greater role in China-Venezuela relations. Ramos echoed the cooperation proposal made by the Chinese side and pledged that the embassy would make an all-out effort to promote the science and technology exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

Chinese Vice Minister of Science and Technology Zhang Yudong, Director-General of the Department of High and New Technology Chen Jiachang, Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology for Social Development Zhu Xuehua, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation Xu Jie, Director of the China Science and Technology Exchange Center Gao Xiang, Director of the China Rural Technology Development Center Deng Xiaoming, Deputy Director-General of International Cooperation Department of China National Space Administration Yao Jianting, Venezuelan Vice Minister for Science and Technology Francisco Duran, Vice Minister Gloria Caravalho, President of the Bolivarian Agency for Space Activities Adolfo Godoy attended the meeting.