Iran-Venezuela ties deep-seated: Iran FM

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has hailed the country’s deep-seated relations with Venezuela, expressing hope that the allies will strengthen their ties in all fields.

“Tehran-Caracas bilateral relations are deep-rooted and I hope that under the presidency of Mr. [Nicolas] Maduro we will be able to open a new chapter in these relations,” Salehi said at a meeting with Venezuelan Deputy Foreign Minister David Velasquez in Tehran on Tuesday.

Salehi said the relations between the two allies are at their best, and called for an expansion of bilateral cooperation in commerce and industry.

Velasquez, who is heading a Venezuelan delegation to a Tehran-hosted international conference on Syria, thanked Iranian officials for their solidarity with the nation and government of the Latin American country.

He described the presence of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in former Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez’ funeral as a turning point in the two countries’ relations.

“We are Mr. Chavez’ spiritual children and will continue the strategic ties he established and pursued with Iran,” Velasquez stressed, adding that the Maduro administration plans to boost economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

“At this level of ties, you have a good ally and partner in Latin America,” he stated.