On the afternoon of September 13, 2023, President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Moros who is in China for a state visit. The two heads of state announced the elevation of the China-Venezuela relationship to an all-weather strategic partnership.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Venezuela are good friends with mutual trust and good partners for common development. Noting the extraordinary journeys of development both China and Venezuela have traveled in recent years, Xi Jinping said the two sides have supported each other in the face of evolving international landscape, and forged an ironclad friendship. China always views and grows its relations with Venezuela from a strategic and long-term perspective, firmly supports Venezuela's efforts to safeguard state sovereignty, national dignity, and social stability, and firmly backs Venezuela's just cause against external interference. The establishment of an all-weather strategic partnership between China and Venezuela meets the common expectations of the two peoples and conforms to the trend of historical development. Both sides need to work to deliver more in China-Venezuela strategic cooperation, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and inject more positive energy into world peace and development.

Xi Jinping briefed Nicolás Maduro Moros on China's reform and opening up, especially the development of special economic zones. He pointed out that reform and opening up are an important and effective instrument for China to catch up with the times in great strides, and a key move that determines the future of contemporary China. China cherishes the valuable experience gained in this process and will continue to advance reform and opening up. No force can impede the pace of China's development and progress. China is ready to work with Venezuela to firmly support each other in exploring development paths that suit their respective national conditions, and increase exchanges on experience in party discipline and national governance. China supports Venezuela in setting up special economic zones, and stands ready to share relevant experience with Venezuela to help advance its national development.

Xi Jinping pointed out that next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Venezuela, and the two sides should mark it with grand celebrations. China is ready to work with Venezuela to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, support Chinese language teaching and the development of Confucius Institutes in Venezuela, and strengthen media exchanges to tell good stories of China-Venezuela friendship. Both sides should earnestly implement the outcomes of the 17th meeting of the China-Venezuela High-level Mixed Committee, and strengthen practical cooperation in various fields in the next stage. China is ready to increase imports of quality specialties from Venezuela. Xi Jinping extended congratulations on Venezuela becoming the first country in America to join the cooperation on the International Lunar Research Station initiated by China. He noted that the two sides need to maintain close collaboration in the United Nations, the Group of 77 and China, and other multilateral mechanisms, strengthen solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries, jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and safeguard the common interests of the vast number of developing countries. China attaches great importance to developing relations with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-CELAC Forum. China is ready to work with Venezuela and other regional countries to promote the overall cooperation between China and LAC countries, and build a China-LAC community with a shared future.

Nicolás Maduro Moros said that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has become a great country dedicated to peace, development, and the well-being of mankind, and an important engine for building a new multipolar world. Nicolás Maduro Moros noted that everything he has seen and heard during his visit to China this time fully demonstrates China's progress and strength, and he would like to express sincere congratulations on the great achievements made by the Communist Party of China. He said Venezuela and China enjoy profound friendship and fruitful cooperation. It is fair to say that bilateral relationship has set a fine example of relations between Global South countries. The Venezuelan people sincerely thank the Chinese government and people for their valuable support and help when Venezuela was grappling with difficulties on multiple fronts including illegal unilateral sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the help of the Chinese brothers, the Venezuelan people have withstood the test and made remarkable achievements in the cause of national economic development. Moros noted that currently, both the national development of Venezuela and Venezuela-China relations are at an important stage. His state visit to China and the elevation of the Venezuela-China relationship to an all-weather strategic partnership, announced by him and President Xi Jinping together, are of historical significance and will definitely usher in a new era of Venezuela-China relations. Venezuela is ready to learn from and draw on China's experience in developing special economic zones, and deepen practical cooperation in agriculture, investment, education, tourism, and other fields. Venezuela actively supports Belt and Road cooperation, and backs the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. Venezuela is ready to work with China to maintain close communication and coordination within such frameworks as the UN and the BRICS mechanism, uphold multilateralism, safeguard the legitimate interests of developing countries, and promote the building of a human community with a shared future. Venezuela would also like to play an active role in promoting further development of relations between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and China.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such areas as Belt and Road cooperation, economy and trade, education, tourism, science and technology, health, aerospace, and civil aviation.

The two sides issued the Joint Statement on Establishing an All-weather Strategic Partnership between the People's Republic of China and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Prior to the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for Nicolás Maduro Moros at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People.

Upon Nicolás Maduro Moros's arrival, the honor guard lined up in salutation. As the two heads of state stepped onto the stand, the military band played the national anthems of China and Venezuela, and a 21-gun salute was fired at Tian'anmen Square. Nicolás Maduro Moros reviewed the guard of honor of the People's Liberation Army and watched the march-past in the company of Xi Jinping.

Xi Jinping's wife Peng Liyuan and Nicolás Maduro Moros's wife Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro also attended the welcome ceremony. On the evening of that day, Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan hosted a welcome banquet for Nicolás Maduro Moros and Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro at the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

Wang Yi was present at the above events.