On January 16, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza of Venezuela in Beijing.

Wang Yi said that Jorge Arreaza is the first Foreign Minister China has received in 2020, which shows the unity and friendship between China and Venezuela. The year 2019 was a year when major changes continued unfolding in our world,and also a year when Venezuela faced with various challenges. Proceeding from maintaining the United Nations Constitution and Principles,safeguarding international fairness and justice,as well as safeguarding the fundamental interests of Venezuelan people and regional stability,China has always advocated peacefully resolving Venezuelan issues through dialogue. As it turns out, "Menroism" is out of date, sanctions and pressure is unacceptable, and imposed external solutions offer no way out. China believes that the Venezuelan government and people have the ability and wisdom to deal with their own problems. China will continue to firmly support Venezuela in defending the national sovereignty and dignity, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests. China is willing to work with the international community to continue to facilitate peace through dialogue in accordance with the basic norms of international relations, and to play a constructive role in promoting the Venezuelan issue into inclusive political settlement process as soon as possible.

Arreaza spoke positively and thanked China for the support and help China has offered for the years. Venezuela appreciates the fact that China has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. Venezuela is willing to continue to firmly support China on issues concerning to China's core interests. Arreaza briefed China on the latest developments in Venezuela,and emphasized that Venezuela was firmly committed to maintaining the stability and development of the country, and was fully capable of solving the problem through dialogue. Venezuela attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is willing to deepen practical cooperation, strengthen communication and coordination with China, uphold multilateralism, oppose power politics, so as to promote the China-Venezuela comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.