Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias, president of Venezuela, during their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2006. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 25(Xinhua)-- China is willing to work with the Venezuela side to push forward the bilateral strategic partnership, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao here Friday when meeting with visiting Venezuelan President Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias.

    Wen said the two countries have recognized and developed strategic bilateral relations in recent years. Exchanges and cooperation have produced good results in all fields.

    He said Venezuela is an important economic partner for China in Latin America. Trade volume has doubled compared with four years ago.

    The two sides should expand cooperation, promote cooperative mechanisms and encourage investment in each other's countries, he said.

    Chavez said he and Chinese President Hu Jintao had made significant steps forward in yesterday's talks and the consensus that they reached will ensure a better development of bilateral relations and cooperation in all fields.

    He said he agreed with Wen's suggestion on expanding economic cooperation, which has great potential.

    Venezuela is willing to take concrete measures with China to push the cooperation forward, Chavez said.

    Chavez arrived in Beijing as Chinese President Hu Jintao's guest on Tuesday night, starting a six-day state visit to China.

    He will also visit the eastern province of Shandong.

    This is Chavez's fourth visit to China. The previous three visits were in October 1999, May 2001 and December 2004. Enditem