转自：CGTN
Editor's note: Decision Makers is a global platform for decision makers to share their insights on events shaping today's world. Lan Hu is the ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
今年6月28日，是中国和委内瑞拉建交50周年的重要日子。近来，两国各界共同隆重庆祝建交周年，倍感两国真挚友谊历经岁月考验，在国际风云变幻中坚如磐石、历久弥坚，更赞叹中委关系生机勃勃、务实合作前景一片光明。
June 28 this year marks a major milestone: the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Venezuela. Recently, celebrations of the anniversary were held across various sectors in both countries, reflecting the sincere friendship between the two nations that has stood the test of time and has remained resilient amidst the ever-changing global landscape. The dynamic and practical cooperation between China and Venezuela is widely praised for its vitality and bright prospects.
时代更变，中委政治互信持续巩固的前进方向不变。自建交以来，两国积极推动政治、经贸、文化等多领域多层级交流往来，不断加深相识相知。进入新世纪，时任委内瑞拉总统查韦斯提出将发展与中国的全面友好合作放在委政府工作“首要地位”，推动两国关系快速升温。新时代十年，在习近平主席和马杜罗总统共同引领下，双方加深对彼此政治制度理解认同，坚定支持探索符合本国国情的发展道路，密切开展全方位合作，实现从全面战略伙伴到全天候战略伙伴“两级跳”飞跃发展，成为相互信赖的好朋友、共同发展的好伙伴、战略协作的好战友。
Through changing times, the commitment to deepening political trust between China and Venezuela has remained steadfast. Since establishing diplomatic ties, both countries have engaged actively in multi-level exchanges in politics, economy, trade and culture, thereby deepening mutual understanding. At the dawn of the new millennium, former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez proposed to prioritize comprehensive and friendly cooperation with China as a key component of Venezuela's government agenda, leading to a rapid enhancement of bilateral relations. Over the past decade, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Nicolas Maduro, both countries have deepened understanding and mutual recognition of one another's political systems, and have reaffirmed support in exploring development paths well-suited for national realities. This has led to comprehensive cooperation in various sectors, and bilateral relations have evolved from a comprehensive strategic partnership to an all-weather strategic partnership, a significant leap that has raised the bilateral relationship to one of trusted friends who are committed partners in development and steadfast comrades in strategic cooperation.
挑战多变，中委团结协作、守望相助的深厚情谊不变。面对各类困难风险，中委两国总能携手共渡，在涉彼此核心利益问题上相互坚定支持。委方在涉台湾、香港、新疆、西藏等问题上坚定同中方站在一起，发出正义之声。中方坚决反对美对委实施非法单边制裁，支持委方维护国家主权、民族尊严和社会稳定，尽己所能为委方应对民生困难等提供物资援助和发展经验。多年来，两国政府着眼于提高民生福祉的目标，务实开展基建、科技、能源、医药、教育、减贫等关键领域合作，共同回应人民追求美好幸福生活的需求，保障社会安稳、人民安居。可以说，中委友谊经受住“患难”考验，结下真正的“铁杆”友谊。
Despite varied challenges, the deep friendship between China and Venezuela – characterized by unity, cooperation and mutual support – remains unchanged. When faced with risks and difficulties, both countries have consistently stood by each other, supporting one another on issues concerning each other's core interests. Venezuela stands firmly with China on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang, echoing calls for justice. China strongly opposes the unilateral sanctions imposed by the U.S. on Venezuela, and supports Venezuela in upholding sovereignty, national dignity and social stability. China has also provided material aid and has shared developmental experience to help Venezuela address challenges related to the livelihood of the people. Over the years, both governments have engaged in practical cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure, technology, energy, health care, education and poverty reduction, striving to meet citizens' aspirations for a better life and ensuring social stability and general well-being. The friendship between China and Venezuela has proven robust in the face of adversity, thus cementing a truly ironclad bond.
形势演变，中委捍卫国际道义、共促人类发展的团结行动不变。中委同属发展中国家和新兴市场国家，在国际事务中拥有广泛共同利益和相近立场主张。两国共怀求和平、谋合作、促发展的愿望，共创普遍安全、共同繁荣、开放包容、清洁美丽的新世界。面对百年变局和全球发展困境，两国在构建人类命运共同体理念下携手推进落实“三大全球倡议”，推动建设新型国际关系，践行真正的多边主义，共同捍卫国际秩序与和平稳定，就和平解决乌克兰危机、呼吁加沙停火等国际热点问题发出一致声音，共同成为实现全球可持续发展、捍卫世界和平稳定的重要中坚力量。
Despite the changing circumstances, China and Venezuela remain steadfast in their united efforts to uphold international justice and promote development. Both countries – classified as developing nations and emerging economies – share a broad spectrum of common interests and similar positions on international affairs. Both sides are united by a common desire to promote peace, cooperation and development, aiming to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful new world that enjoys universal security and common prosperity.
Faced with changes unseen in a century and global developmental challenges, China and Venezuela continue to work together with a vision to build a community with a shared future for mankind to promote the implementation of three major global initiatives proposed by China, aim to establish a new type of international relations, practice genuine multilateralism, and jointly defend the international order, peace and stability. China and Venezuela consistently echo mutual calls for peaceful resolutions on international issues like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and call for a ceasefire in Gaza, positioning themselves as pivotal forces in the global quest for sustainable development, and the maintenance of world peace and stability.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro speaks during the 17th meeting of the Mixed Venezuela-China High-Level Committee in Beijing, capital city of China, September 13, 2023. /CFP
50年岁月洗礼，锻造了中委友谊的深厚感情、构筑了两国人民的民心相通、更开创了双方务实合作的光明前途。两国互信基础牢固、合作机制健全、优势高度互补，去年马杜罗总统访华期间，双方签署30余项协议，携手进入更高水平、更深层次、更宽领域的合作新阶段。当前，两国各层级正密切交流协作，商贸、基建等传统领域往来和电子商务、航空航天、能源转型等新兴产业合作稳定有序推进，相信将为两国人民创造更多利益，为社会发展带来更多机遇。
The past 50 years have enriched the deep friendship between China and Venezuela, creating strong bonds between the peoples of the two countries and paving the way for a bright future of pragmatic cooperation. China and Venezuela share a solid foundation of mutual trust, robust cooperation mechanisms and highly complementary advantages. The state visit by President Maduro to China in 2023 witnessed the signing of over 30 agreements. These agreements mark the beginning of a new era of enhanced cooperation featuring higher standards, deeper engagement and broader fields. Currently, the two countries are engaged in close cooperation and exchanges at various levels, with steady progress in traditional sectors such as trade and infrastructure as well as in emerging industries like e-commerce, aerospace and aviation, and energy transition. It is believed that these collaborative efforts will yield increased benefits for the peoples of both countries and create more opportunities for social development.
正如南美解放者、委内瑞拉国父西蒙·玻利瓦尔所说：“友谊予我奋斗热情”。我们相信，中委两国人民将以半世纪的真诚友好为坚实底气和强劲动力，全面落实两国元首达成的重要共识，继续坚定携手前行，必将创造更加辉煌灿烂的又一个50年！
Simon Bolivar, the liberator of South America and the founding father of Venezuela once said, "La amistad es mi pasión," which literally means "Friendship is my passion." We believe that the people of China and Venezuela, with half a century of sincere friendship as a solid foundation of relations and a powerful drive for action, will implement the important consensus reached by the heads of states of both countries. By continuing to move forward hand-in-hand with determination, China and Venezuela are sure to create greater splendor and brilliance over the next 50 years.
