Bilateral Relations: Iran and Venezuela keen to strengthen ties

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, yesterday stressed the need to strengthen relations between the two countries according to local media.

During a telephone conversation, Ahmadinejad expressed hope that all the signed agreements between the two countries would be implemented soon.

Iranian Mines and Industries Minister Ali-Akbar Mehrabian was in Caracas last week to attend the Fifth Iran-Venezuela Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation and signed six cooperation deals in industry, energy, agriculture, housing, infrastructure and physical education with the Venezuelan side.

Ahmadinejad also stressed that Venezuela "is the standard-bearer of the fight against imperialism in South America," according to Iran's Mehr news agency.

Chavez expressed satisfaction over growing ties between the two countries, adding the Islamic Republic has always supported Venezuela in confronting the international imperialism.

Mike Hitchen, Mike Hitchen Consulting Publisher of
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