Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jaua said Saturday that his country and China should deepen trade and economic relations and strengthen cooperation in areas of common interests.

Jaua made the remarks at the opening of the 13th meeting of the China-Venezuela High-Level Joint Commission, which kicked off hours before a visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the nation.

The Venezuelan top diplomat said the meeting should produce better results for economic and social advancement of both Venezuela and China and bring about tangible contribution to the technical training of human resources and the efficiency of project development. "We have placed particular emphasis on promoting the development in energy, agricultural, scientific, technological, industrial, commercial and cultural areas, among others," he said.

"Now it is urgent to strengthen cooperation in social matters to work toward the reduction of poverty in both countries. The 13th meeting of the China-Venezuela High-Level Joint Commission should produce better results for the prosperity of our nations," Jaua said.

Despite cultural difference and geographical distance, Venezuela and China have been able to appreciate the benefits of cooperation, said Jaua, adding that Venezuela represents one of China's main partners in Latin America, and the Asian nation is the strategic priority for the development of his country.

Venezuela and China have signed more than 500 cooperation agreements, with bilateral trade amounting to 19.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2013.