Iran Eyes Long-Term Plan for Cooperation with Venezuela

In a meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia, held in Tehran on Monday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stressed the need for the formulation of a “clear and long-term plan” in order to strengthen relations between the two countries.

“With a long-term plan for cooperation between the two countries, there would be a clear prospect for expanding and deepening the relations,” the president added.

Hailing Venezuela for supporting Iran in international organizations and highlighting the Latin American country’s position in the Islamic Republic’s foreign policy, Raisi expressed hope that his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro’s visit to Tehran in the near future would help the two states make great strides in ensuring long-term cooperation.

He also noted that Iran pursues the policy of promoting relations with developing countries, especially states that are protecting their independence against the hegemonic powers.

“Latin America, particularly Venezuela, is among the priorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s economic diplomacy, and we are determined to enhance our relations with those countries,” Raisi stated.

For his part, Plasencia described Venezuela and Iran as two friends and allies that stand together against the hegemony and those intending to harm their independence.

Lauding Iran as a major and influential country in the region, the Venezuelan foreign minister said his country is committed to defending multilateralism and countering the US’ interference.

He also confirmed that devising a long-term plan would help the two countries broaden their ties, saying Venezuela is prepared to boost relations with Iran in all fields.