CARACAS -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez's government is strengthening ties with Zimbabwe and pledging deeper cooperation in areas from energy to agriculture.

The state-run Bolivarian News Agency said Wednesday that diplomats from the countries signed accords promising greater economic cooperation.

Zimbabwean diplomat Thomas Bevuma told the news agency that Venezuela has contributed to fighting food shortages in the African nation, though it's unclear what aid has been provided.

Zimbabwe has faced shortages of food, water, electricity and most basic goods in recent years under President Robert Mugabe.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has cautioned against imposing more international sanctions on Zimbabwe, urging humanitarian aid.

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