 JCP and Venezuela's Fifth Republic Movement party establish bilateral relations Ogata Yasuo, Japanese Communist Party International Bureau director, held talks on February 26 in Caracas with Aurora Morales, the international director of the Fifth Republic Movement (MVR) party, Venezuela's governing party. After welcoming the JCP representative's presence at the Social Debt Summit, Morales explained the MVR's history and its role in social changes in the South American country, particularly on its assistance to the needy and improvement of education and medical services. He also explained the Venezuelan governing party's preparation for the next congress, its electoral activities, and recruitment of party members. Ogata, explaining the JCP's history and activities aimed at changing Japanese society, stated that the JCP is interested in the Chavez government's effort to carry out changes democratically and peacefully, thus gaining public confidence. The talks between the two party representatives ended with an agreement to establish bilateral relations between the JCP and the MVR. JCP representative meets with Venezuelan President Chavez At the opening ceremony of the 4th Social Debt Summit held in the Venezuelan capital on February 25, JCP International Bureau Director Ogata Yasuo met with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. The first encounter came when President Chavez was speaking to the audience in the ceremony. He said, "A Japanese senator is here with us." Looking toward Ogata, who was seated in the front, the president asked, "Do you understand Spanish?" "Yes, I do perfectly," Ogata replied. After exchanging words, the president continued his speech. Ogata met with the president after the ceremony. President Chavez gave Ogata a warm welcome. (end) |