"We discussed with Prince Saud Al-Faisal ways of strengthening relations between Venezuela and Saudi Arabia. This was the main purpose of our visit," Maduro told a press conference on Tuesday night. Venezuelan Ambassador Joseba Achutegui was also present at the press briefing.
Other Saudi officials the Venezuelan delegation met with included Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Ali Al-Naimi and Commerce Minister Abdullah Zainal Alireza, who were invited to visit Venezuela.
Maduro said Venezuela and Saudi Arabia "have a long history to look back to," adding that both countries were among the founding members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Maduro added that they also discussed cooperation on diplomacy, education, culture and news management.
"In this connection, we discussed the formation of a bilateral committee that would bring the bilateral ties to a higher level," Maduro said. "We also discussed various issues relating to oil, OPEC and the OPEC summits, such as the ones held in Venezuela and Saudi Arabia, and oil prices, which have stabilized," he said.
Maduro added that he also invited Saudi businessmen to explore the possibility of investing in Venezuela.
"We hope that Saudi businessmen will come to our country and explore the possibility of infusing capital in oil-related activities," he said.
Maduro said that he had a very stimulating exchange of ideas with Minister Alireza that could help boost bilateral trade.
"His thoughts conform with our ideas on how to step up trade exchange between Venezuela and Saudi Arabia," he said.
Maduro, who headed a seven-member delegation, arrived in Riyadh on Monday night and left Wednesday morning for Venezuela.
Before coming to Riyadh, the delegation had earlier visited Turkey, Ukraine, Syria, Belarus and Syria during their five-day diplomatic tour.
