VENEZUELA and Belarus strengthened bilateral relations and trade agreements this week with the establishment of a high-level joint commission in Caracas, it was revealed on Thursday.

The Bolivarian government announced the new body, which will undertake strategic projects in areas such as technology, agribusiness, science, energy and infrastructure.

“We cannot lose sight of the fact that, in spite of the great distance that separates us, we have enormous economic and political similarities with Belarus,” Venezuelan ambassador Adan Chavez said.

“This commission is the ideal scenario for [boosting] our relations at all levels.”

Strengthening trade and production will help the development of both nations, commission chairman Ricardo Menendez said.

Venezuela has long-standing ties with Belarus. The two countries have worked on joint housing development projects, having agreed a “co-operation roadmap” in 2017.

“When Venezuela overcomes its economic situation and regains stability, the world will know it was thanks in part to Belarus and their booming automotive industry,” Mr Menendez said at the time.

Both countries have resisted attempts to overthrow their respective governments by US-backed forces.