Ahmadinejad congratulates Chavez on election victory

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has extended his congratulations to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez over his victory in the country’s presidential election.

“This great victory is another endorsement of your successful leadership, during your term in office, on the path of justice-seeking… humanitarian values, progress, and the prosperity of the country,” Ahmadinejad said in a message sent to Chavez on Monday.

The Iranian president called the Venezuelan people’s vote another step in the pursuit of the goals of the Bolivarian Revolution and the continuation of the social, economic, scientific, and cultural development of Venezuela as a sovereign nation.

“In light of the effective role of Venezuela, your election is undoubtedly very important for the continuation of the constructive movement toward independence, justice, and progress of the nations and governments in Latin America and the Caribbean as well as the other freedom-seeking nations,” the message read.

Ahmadinejad also pointed to the enormous potential of Iran and Venezuela and said Tehran is interested in expanding its relations with Caracas.

On Sunday, Chavez comfortably won a fourth consecutive term in office, which runs from 2013 to 2019.

The National Electoral Council announced on Sunday that President Chavez won 54.42 percent of the vote and opposition candidate Henrique Capriles got 44.97 percent.