Pres. Raisi: Iran-Venezuela relations must increase in new era

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Referring to the high capacity of Iran and Venezuela, the President said, "Development of relations between Tehran and Caracas is a necessity, especially in trade and economic fields."

Ayatollah Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi had a telephone conversation with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday night, calling the relations between Iran and Venezuela strategic and said, "The current relations between the two countries should be increased in the new Iranian government's term".

Referring to the high capacity of Iran and Venezuela, the President said, "Development of relations between Tehran and Caracas is a necessity, especially in trade and economic fields."

Emphasising the desire for independence-seeking of the Venezuelan people and government against the domineering powers, Dr Raisi said, "The reason for the sanctions imposed by the domineering powers and the United States on the Venezuelan people and government is their independence and freedom".

Ayatollah Raisi stated, "This telephone conversation can be a turning point for the development of relations and increased trade and economic cooperation between the two countries".

Congratulating the successful holding of the elections in Venezuela, the President said, "Your success in holding the elections shows the authority of the Venezuelan government".

Referring to the position of Iran and Venezuela in the OPEC, Mr Raisi said, "Oil cooperation between the two countries should take a new form and we need to take greater steps in the field of refining and petrochemical resources".

Referring to the agreements between Iran and Venezuela, the President said, "These agreements must be fully implemented and the ground must be prepared for new agreements".

"Despite the threats and attacks imposed on us by imperialism, we have been able to defend internal peace through the efforts of our people," Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said in the telephone call, referring to elections in Venezuela.

Emphasising the need to create new dynamism in the economic relations between the two countries, the Venezuelan President referred to the good results of the meetings of the joint commissions between the two countries and said, "We must work for OPEC to achieve lasting stability in the oil market".

"There is a lot of joint work between Iran and Venezuela, and I am very optimistic that with the help of joint commissions we can conclude new agreements," the Venezuelan president said.

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