Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez agreed to boost bilateral cooperation during a meeting on Wednesday.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (R) meets with visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 18, 2009. [Huang Jingwen/Xinhua]

During talks with Chavez, Xi said that this year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Venezuela. He called 2009 a great chance to promote all-round exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

Xi said China and Venezuela should make a joint effort to enhance collaboration in the sectors of energy, finance, agriculture, infrastructure and high technology.

For his part, Chavez expressed admiration for China for the achievements it has made in its development.

Chavez said Xi's visit will consolidate the strategic partnership for common development and enhance cooperation between the two countries.

Venezuela is the fourth leg of Xi's six-nation tour which has taken him to Mexico, Jamaica, and Colombia. He left Caracas on Wednesday night for an official visit to Brazil.