Venezuela, Portugal ink cooperation accords

CARACAS - Venezuela and Portugal on Wednesday signed a series of cooperation agreements worth more than $2 billion, as part of efforts to broaden bilateral ties in new economic and trade areas.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jaua and Portugal's Deputy Prime Minister Paulo Portas signed the accords during the 9th Meeting of the Venezuela-Portugal Follow Up Commission, which began Tuesday.

The two sides signed a memorandum on the joint development of housing projects and programs for the Venezuelan middle class.

They also agreed to a meeting of ministers to monitor progress on the Caracas-La Guaira Highway, an alternate route connecting the Venezuelan capital with the country's main airport, which has Portuguese financing.

Also signed was an agreement between Venezuela's Bolipuertos (Bolivarian Ports) and Portuguese builder Teixeira Duarte to expand the western port of Maracaibo, Venezuela's second largest city.

The two officials also evaluated the extension of the second phase of the Canamia project to assemble laptops and tablets for high schools and universities.

The two countries plan to hold the 10th Joint Government Commission in Portugal's capital Lisbon this year to review the agreements signed at this session and further expand bilateral cooperation.

Venezuela and Portugal have promoted bilateral ties vigorously following late former President Hugo Chavez's visit to the European nation in 2008.