Venezuela's president has invited Haiti to join a program offering inexpensive oil to Caribbean nations.

Rene Preval

The offer came during a visit Monday to Caracas by Haiti's President-Elect Rene Preval.

Mr. Preval met with Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. They discussed Haiti's inclusion in Venezuela's Petrocaribe program which offers generous payment options to Caribbean countries for the purchase of Venezuelan oil.

During the meeting, Mr. Chavez said Venezuela would also donate diesel fuel for use by schools and hospitals in Haiti.

Mr. Preval was elected in February following a campaign of promises to improve social conditions and education for Haitians.

He will be inaugurated on May 14.