China remains committed to supporting Venezuela in safeguarding its national sovereignty and contributing to its economic and social development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil in New York City on the sidelines of the UN Summit of the Future.
The Chinese foreign minister extended President Xi Jinping's warm greetings to Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and congratulations on his re-election.
Wang said he believes that under the leadership of President Maduro, the Venezuelan people will work in solidarity to overcome challenges and make new accomplishments in the cause of national development.
Noting that China and Venezuela are good friends and partners, he said no matter how the international landscape evolves, China will, as always, support Venezuela in safeguarding its national sovereignty and defending its national dignity and aid its economic and social development.
During President Maduro's state visit to China last September, the two presidents announced the elevation of the China-Venezuela relationship to an all-weather strategic partnership, marking a milestone in bilateral ties and heralding a broader development prospect for the relationship, Wang said.
The two sides should consolidate and develop well the all-weather friendship, continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and translate the important consensus reached between the two heads of state into concrete actions, he stressed.
Gil also conveyed President Maduro's sincere greetings to President Xi.
Following the elevation of bilateral relations to an all-weather strategic partnership in 2023, the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year, Gil said, stressing that the Venezuela-China relationship is now at its best in history.
As China's most reliable and firm strategic partner, Venezuela is committed to pursuing new and greater progress in bilateral relations to deliver more benefits to people of both countries, he said.
China to continue supporting Venezuela’s economic, social development: FM
China to continue supporting Venezuela’s economic, social development: FM
China to continue supporting Venezuela’s economic, social development: FM
The usually bustling streets in the travel hub of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain quiet while the city's airport -- normally one of the busiest in the world -- is practically deserted following Iranian missile attacks that have affected civilian areas over the past few days.
Joint military strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel on Iran on Saturday have triggered a sharp escalation across the Middle East, setting off waves of missile exchanges, mounting casualties, and far-reaching political and security repercussions.
Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes on various targets, with explosions reported in numerous countries including the UAE.
In recent days, the sounds of blasts have echoed in Dubai, leading to a noticeable decrease in the number of people and vehicles on the streets, while UAE authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant.
The closure of airspace across the Gulf region has also caused widespread disruption and left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded.
Dubai International Airport now appears virtually empty, with no information displayed on the arrival boards.
Only one screen is operational for departures, and while the majority of flights have been canceled, the UAE has now started permitting a limited number to take off via what it is calling "safe air corridors" in careful coordination with other Gulf countries.
Some travelers gathered in the airport's waiting area on Tuesday, hoping to secure a spot on one of the handful of flights out of the country.
"I'm going back to India. I'm really excited. I came as a tourist. I arrived a week ago. I should have left on Sunday. But I'm leaving on Tuesday, today, two days later," said one Indian traveler.
However, many more remain stuck and can only wait patiently for more updates from airlines.
"I bought one (ticket) a month ago. But the plane that should fly now is canceled. I cannot fly away," said a stricken visitor from Germany.
Despite the circumstances, others say they will stay put and see how the situation unfolds.
"Yeah, I will stay in Dubai," said a worker from Uganda.
The number of visitors in the typically lively Dubai Mall is also noticeably down, while the landmark Apple Store is also presently closed.
The UAE's Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday that its air defense systems have intercepted close to 900 Iranian drones since the crisis erupted.
The ministry also confirmed that the attacks on the UAE have resulted in three fatalities as well as 78 minor injuries.
Dubai streets remain quiet as travel disruption continues after Iranian attacks
