Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez Monday welcome Haitian President elect René Préval in the presidential palace of Miraflores.

In a joint press conference, Préval gave the floor to Chávez: "When I am the one who is asking, I rather give the floor to he who is going to give. In this way, I get to know what he is going to give me."

Chávez and Préval announced Haiti is joining Venezuelan oil initiative Petrocaribe. The Venezuelan ruler offered Haiti his "humble expertise regarding social missions" -the way he calls his social aid programs.

"We are ready to find a more flexible formula under Petrocaribe," said Chávez, adding that social programs to help Haiti "would be coordinated with Cuba."

The Venezuelan ruler said next May 2nd a team of experts from state oil firm Pdvsa is to visit Haiti to prepare the island incorporation to Petrocaribe.

Under Petrocaribe, Venezuela sells oil and by-products under preferential terms to Caribbean and Central American countries.

Chávez also vowed to donate fuel to Haiti, "especially diesel for use in hospitals and schools."