Venezuela is looking forward to strengthening ties with Namibia in the areas of energy, health, education and agriculture.

Venezuela's Foreign Affairs Minister Yván Gil was among the foreign dignitaries who witnessed the swearing-in ceremony of President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Venezuela supported Namibia's liberation struggle and has established strong historical ties.

The two now currently share diplomatic relations based on mutual cooperation, solidarity, and shared interests in the areas of energy and mining so far.

Over the past years the Venezuelan economy has experienced significant challenges with a sharp decline in GDP, hyperinflation, and social crises.

However, under President Nicolas Maduro, the economy is said to have expanded by nine percent last year, with the International Monetary Fund projecting the country's GDP to grow by three percent this year.

The Latin American country has also suffered sanctions imposed by the USA since 2005, something that has significantly affected the country.

However, Gil says the people of Venezuela are coping very well through these sanctions.

Gil also touched on the recent deportation of 238 Venezuelan citizens from the USA and sent to an El Salvador prison by the USA under the Trump administration.

The Foreign Affairs Minister says that Venezuela remains open for dialogue with the USA as to how they can improve the relationship between the two countries.