Chinese vice premier pays homage to Simon Bolivar in Venezuela

CARACAS, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu Friday paid homage to the liberator Simon Bolivar in Venezuela during his official visit in the South American country.

Accompanied by Venezuelan Vice President Ramon Carrizales and two ministers, the Chinese premier placed a floral offering at the National Pantheon to the late liberator who had led the revolutions against Spanish rule in Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia.

Hui visited the birthplace of the liberator here in Caracas later.

Hui also met with Venezuelan National Assembly President Cilia Flores on bilateral relations, highlighting China's hope to strengthen cooperation with Venezuela on technology and the energy sector.

Hui also said that China is willing to increase trade with Venezuela.

For her part, Flores said that the Venezuelan people support the efforts by the Chinese people to host a successful Olympics.

Hui, who has been in Venezuela since Thursday, is also expected to meet Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez at Miraflores Palace late Friday.