Colombia congratulated Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez on his victory for re-election Sunday.
In a press release, Colombia’s government praised Venezuela for its broad and peaceful participation in the elections that took place Sunday.
“Congratulations to President Hugo Chavez Friaz for his triumph, we wish him success in his new presidential term,” said the press release, adding that it will always be a priority of Colombia’s to work with Venezuela in maintaining and strengthening relations between the two countries.
According to the BBC, Chavez won 54% of the vote, securing his fourth term as Venezuela’s president over opponent Henrique Capriles with an approximate 81% voting turnout.
“Truthfully, this has been the perfect battle, a democratic battle. Venezuela will continue its march toward the democratic socialism of the 21st century,” said Chavez, vowing to be a better president in the future.
The Venezuelan president’s new six-year term will begin on January 10.