Signing a 20-year cooperation plan between Tehran and Caracas presents a bright outlook for the future of the two countries’ relations, according to the visiting Venezuelan president.
“I believe the future of Iran and Venezuela’s friendship will be very pleasant and unimpaired,” Nicolas Maduro said in a joint press briefing with President Ebrahim Raisi following a meeting in Tehran on Saturday, President.ir reported.
Maduro arrived in Tehran on Friday for a two-day stay as part of an official trip that earlier this week included Turkey and Algeria. He was accompanied by ministers and officials in areas including agriculture, technology, oil, communications, tourism and transportation.
During the visit, the two sides signed a 20-year cooperation plan and discussed other areas of cooperation.
Raisi described Tehran-Caracas relations as strategic and multifaceted, highlighting bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including energy, technical and engineering services, economy, agriculture, military and defense.
“This level of cooperation indicates that Iran and Venezuela have multiple capacities for the expansion of their ties,” he said.
The Venezuelan president said his country is interested in using the historical experiences of the Islamic Republic and its capabilities in technical and technological areas to help it pass its difficult times behind.
There is a wide range of sectors for cooperation between Tehran and Caracas, including oil, gas, refinery and petrochemicals, he added.
Along this line, he announced that a weekly flight route from Caracas to Tehran will be opened soon, which he said would help unlock many potentials for bilateral cooperation.
Raisi also said the route would facilitate transport between the two countries, helping both improve commercial and trade ties and deepen relations between the two nations.
Maduro also hailed Iran’s progress in the agriculture sector despite the fact that around 70% of its lands are arid and water-stressed regions.
“One of Venezuela’s priorities for expanding relations with Iran is using its technologies to improve the country’s agricultural production,” he said.
Exemplary Resistance
Maduro later reiterated that Iran and Venezuela would withstand difficulties and achieve progress alongside each other as a new world takes shape.
“The future world will be one of equality and justice and all must help build this future by standing up to imperialism,” he said, assuring the Iranian government and people of its full support and contribution.
Iran and Venezuela, both sanctioned by the United States, since 2020 have expanded cooperation, particularly for energy projects and oil swaps, helping the Caribbean nation ease the effect of Washington’s measures.
Raisi said Iran’s foreign policy is centered on developing ties with independent countries.
“Venezuela has shown that it stands against imperialism and enemies’ threats and sanctions and puts up exemplary resistance,” he said.
The fact that Venezuela has contained its hyperinflations and started economic growth, according to its president, is a good sign which indicates that resistance works and forces enemies to retreat, Raisi said.
The Iranian nation has also faced sanctions and threats following its Islamic Revolution in 1979, but has decided to use them as an opportunity for progress, according to the president.
“When Americans officially announce that their maximum pressure against Iran has failed desperately, this is a point of victory for Iran and defeat for the United States and enemies.”
Iran came under draconian US sanctions following Washington’s exit from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018.
American officials in the incumbent administration have repeatedly confessed that the so-called maximum pressure campaign has failed and began indirect talks to rejoin the deal last year.
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