Caracas, March 8 (RHC)-- Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro has decorated Víctor Gaute, head of the Cuban social missions in the South American nation, with the Estrella de los Libertadores order and a replica of General Ezequiel Zamora's Sword, in recognition of the social programs implemented by the Bolivarian Revolution with Cuba's assistance.

The ceremony was held Wednesday at the Teresa Carreño theater in Caracas in the framework of an international meeting of solidarity with the Bolivarian Revolution, attended by 300 solidarity activists from around the world.

Addressing those present, President Maduro extended his people's gratitude to the Cuban government and people for the development assistance provided in several economic and social fields.

In accepting the prizes on behalf of all Cuban professionals who have offered their services in Venezuela under existing cooperation programs, Gaute reiterated Cuba's unconditional support for and solidarity with the Venezuelan people and their Revolution.

Since the Bolivarian Revolution was started in 1999 by former president Hugo Chavez, the two governments have signed more than 60 cooperation agreements, covering such areas as health, education, sports, culture, scientific research among others.