CARACAS (AP): Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says his government plans to open an office of its state oil company in Vietnam as the countries strengthen ties.

Chavez announced the plan to open a Hanoi office of Petroleos de Venezuela SA as he met with a delegation of Vietnamese officials.

Chavez said that the office is aimed at boosting cooperation with Vietnam Oil and Gas Corporation, or PetroVietnam. According to a government statement, Chavez also said Venezuela plans to help build an oil refinery in Vietnam.

The socialist leader said during the meeting Friday that he plans to visit Hanoi next month during a tour that also will include China. Chavez said Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet plans to visit Venezuela in November.