Video-Iran president visits Venezuel to discuss bilateral issues

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has visited Caracas as the first stop of his 5-day tour in four Latin American countries.

The visit comes amid diplomatic tensions between Iran, and the U.S. and the European Union, motivated by an alleged Tehran’s refusal to clarify the purposes of its nuclear program. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has said that these nations are not a threat to anyone, and stressed they are sovereign.

The visit is followed by controversial U.S. accusations. State Department spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland said her government has made absolutely clear to the countries around the world that now is not the time to deepen security and economic ties with Iran until the Islamic nation does not clarify the purposes of its nuclear program.

However, trade between Iran and Venezuela has not been affected by U.S. attempts to avoid their strong commitment to be partners. During the five years of close relations between Ahmadinejad and Chavez, the two countries have signed over 300 agreements mainly in housing, trade, tourism, agriculture, science, energy, and car manufacturing. The relations between the Persian and the Caribbean nation have improved considerably due to the common anti-imperialism stance they both share.

On this visit, Iran and Venezuela signed new agreements in industry, science, technology and politics. Chavez and Ahmadinejad signed a joint statement in which both leaders reaffirmed their bilateral ties and pledged to further develop a strategic alliance that benefits both nations.

Also, Iranian and Venezuelan ministers signed a memorandum of understanding on training in nano-technology to develop human talent and knowledge exchange.

President Ahmadinejad said both the Iranian and the Venezuelan people are standing against the imperialism. He also said the US has taken an aggressive stand because this system is leading to its own collapse, while Iran and Venezuela are advocates of peace.