"It is always a pleasure to meet for the exchange of ideas and reflections, in these times of dialogue and national reconciliation," expressed the Venezuelan ruler. | Photo: @NicolasMaduro

Caracas, January 20 (RHC)-- The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, held this Thursday a meeting in Caracas with the former president of the government of Spain, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, official sources informed.  According to the Venezuelan News Agency (AVN), the meeting was also attended by the President of the National Assembly (AN), Jorge Rodríguez, and the Vice President of the Republic, Delcy Rodríguez.

During  the meeting, the Venezuelan President reiterated his willingness to engage in a national dialogue with all sectors of the opposition in order to consolidate peace and stability in the South American country. For the head of state, this is "the only way to guarantee national peace".

In a message published on his official Twitter account, President Maduro said: "This January 19th, I welcomed the former President of the Government of Spain, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero."   "It is always a pleasure to meet for the exchange of ideas and reflections, in these times of dialogue and national reconciliation," said the Venezuelan president.

Rodríguez Zapatero, for his part, applauded Venezuela's role in the negotiations taking place between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN).  "Getting the rebel group to renounce violence is a great objective," said the former Spanish governor.

He added that this will benefit the people of both Colombia and Venezuela, especially those living on the common border, as it will cause "other violence to be reduced or disappear."