Venezuela held a weeklong celebration, marking Africa Day.

Speaking at the close of the 20th World Africa Week in the capital, Caracas, Venezuela, Foreign Affairs Minister Yvan Gil pointed out that economic cooperation with the African continent is poised for growth.

Gil said, "Our businessmen and women are ready to go to Africa to work with their African counterparts as equals and to build a healthy, constructive relationship of prosperity for both peoples." 

He noted that Africa will be the world's largest market for products in the coming years and also the largest producer of goods and services.

Gil added: "We cannot ignore this reality because, on the continent, important political processes are taking place, reaffirming its independence, reaffirming its sovereignty, and Venezuela supports each and every one of them because it is the same struggle of the Venezuelan people."

Also speaking at the occasion, South Africa's Ambassador to Venezuela, Lindiwe Michelle Maseko, said during the week, African ambassadors were able to appreciate Venezuela's potential in the areas of education and culture and the development of its institutions, adding that "despite the challenges the country faces in the form of economic sanctions, we have no doubt that Venezuela has much to offer."

The South African diplomat called on all African representatives in Venezuela “not to hesitate to explore this beautiful country. Venezuela is a world in one country.”

The leaders also inaugurated a photography exhibition entitled "Venezuela and Africa, United in the Same Struggle", which explores the most important moments in Venezuela's relations with Africa, from the time of late President Hugo Chávez to the current relationship with President Nicolás Maduro.