'New chapter in cooperation': Iran, Venezuela sign new MoUs
Iran and Venezuela have signed a series of cooperation documents in Caracas where Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh is visiting at the helm of a high-ranking delegation.
Nasirzadeh, who traveled to Caracas on Tuesday to participate at the 10th meeting of the Iran-Venezuela joint economic cooperation commission, met President Nicolas Maduro who highlighted the extensive work done by various working groups to map out bilateral cooperation.
"Iran has established itself as an emerging power in the multipolar and multicentric world that is emerging today,” Maduro said.
“It is a country with great technological capacity, a rich educational, cultural, and scientific tradition," he said, noting Iran's resilience against imperialist siege for over 45 years, which has strengthened its fighting spirit.
Venezuela, Maduro said, has never had such a strong relationship with a powerful country like Iran.
He recalled the various stages of this relationship, noting that the 10th joint commission meeting opens a new chapter with a cooperation map full of great challenges and opportunities in a world aspiring to be free of colonies, hegemons and fascism.
"From Venezuela and Iran, we say yes to freedom, to open dialogue between peoples and civilizations, to joint construction. A new stage of the Iran-Venezuela relationship is opening to increase trade, mobility, and exchange through tourism. Venezuela is ready to receive large contingents of families and tourists from Iran," he said.
Nasirzadeh said geographical distance has never been an obstacle to deepening relations between the Venezuelan and Iranian people.
“Iran and Venezuela are friends and brothers in a single boat carrying the destiny of both countries amid existing threats. Imperialism always seeks to dominate free and sovereign peoples and is upset by the cooperation between our countries that seek a world free of hegemony," he said.
Nasirzadeh predicted that the joint commission meeting would become a milestone in bilateral relations due to the significant achievements and agreements, opening a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries.
"Iran will spare no effort to consolidate cooperation with Venezuela. We will facilitate relations and contracts between private sector companies," he said.
Nasirzadeh met several members of the Venezuelan cabinet, including Minister of Transport Ramón Velázquez who said significant progress had been made in 17 areas of cooperation in recent years, advancing various projects such as transportation, tourism, cultural integration, and mutual understanding.
"There is a high level of cooperation in contributing to the education of our future generations. An Iranian entrepreneur intends to equip 50 schools in Venezuela with tools for learning artificial intelligence. These are the scientific seedbeds," Velázquez said.
Separately, Nasirzadeh and Venezuelan Vice President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodriguez discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and emphasized the need to follow up on the implementation of bilateral agreements.
In talks with Venezuela’s Minister of Science and Technology Gabriel Jiménez, the two sides emphasized the importance of collaboration in research and development, technology transfer, and the exchange of expertise in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and geosciences.
The Iranian defense minister also held talks with Venezuela’s Minister of Industries Alex Saab on opportunities for joint industrial projects, mutual export exchanges, and the expansion of Iranian business activity in Venezuela.
The two sides also discussed the establishment of preferential tariff agreements and the development of industrial infrastructure.
Talks between Nasirzadeh and Venezuelan Minister of Mines Hector Silva revolved around investments in the mining sector, joint projects, and technology transfer for mining operations, particularly in the private sector.
He also discussed with Venezuelan Minister of Agriculture Méndez Fernández potential cooperation in agricultural trade, livestock vaccination, seed production, pest control, and agricultural machinery.
Nasirzadeh further met with Venezuela’s Finance Minister Anabel Herrera to explore banking cooperation, project financing, and facilitating financial exchanges.
In his meeting with Energy Minister Jorge Márquez, the two sides focused on the potential for private sector involvement in the modernization of Venezuela’s power plants, including maintenance and equipment supply.
Nasirzadeh discussed with Venezuela’s Minister of Tourism Leticia Gómez the expansion of cultural and social exchanges through tourism infrastructure and easing travel processes between the two countries, including the potential for direct flights between Tehran and Caracas.
Iran and Venezuela, both subject to illegal U.S. sanctions, signed a 20-year partnership deal in June 2022 during Maduro's visit to Tehran.
The document covers cooperation in the fields of oil, petrochemicals, defense, agriculture, tourism, and culture. It also includes the repair of Venezuelan refineries and the export of technical and engineering services.
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