Independent countries should unite against crime, terrorism

ˈWe should all unite in confrontation with the enemiesˈ plots, hold each othersˈ hands and not permit them to impose pressure against the developing nations. Of course, beyond doubt the developing (countriesˈ) governments and nations will eventually emerge victorious from the (campaign) field with the powers that intend to interfere in the internal affairs of their countries,ˈ said President Rouhani.

The president said that for the Islamic Republic of Iran close relations with the entire independent Latin American countries, such as Venezuela, which resist against the hegemony of the superpowers, such as the United States, is of great importance.

President Rouhani also expressed satisfaction about the close and intimate Tehran-Caracas relations in recent years, ensuring the top Venezuelan diplomat that his ˈPrudence and Hopeˈ Government favors comprehensive expansion of bilateral relations.

Rouhani who is currently the rotating head of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) appreciated Venezuelaˈs ˈexcellentˈ stands adopted on Middle East developments, including Palestine, Syria and Iraq, as well as that countryˈs praiseworthy stands about the need for launching a campaign against terrorism.

ˈIn all the countries that are entangled with aggression and terrorism, unfortunately the aggressor forces and the terrorists are backed up by some big powers and by the global arrogance,ˈ said the president.

He said that the late Venezuelan presidentˈs move in severing ties with the racist Zionist regime of Israel was very precious, expressing hope that President Maduro, too, would continue the path paved by Mr. Hugo Chavez.

Venezuelaˈs Foreign Minister Elias Jose Jaua Milano, too, for his part in the meeting conveyed the warm greetings of his countryˈs president to his Iranian counterpart.

He also appreciated the Iranian Government for hosting the Palestine Committee of the NAM in Tehran and expressed hope that Tehran-Caracas cooperation and relations would expand to serve the interests of the two governments and nations.

The Venezuelan foreign minister ensured President Rouhani that the Venezuelan Governmentˈs political and ideological approach is the same as the late President Hugo Chavez.

ˈToday we need more than ever before to remain side by side of each other to be able to resist and pursue the campaign against the global imperialism,ˈ he said.

The top diplomat referred to the stands adopted by the late President Chavez in defense of the different nationsˈ rights, especially the Palestinian nation, saying that he severed Venezuelaˈs ties with Israel seven years ago.

ˈThe passage of time and emergence of the present day sad events proved how correctly that decision was adopted,ˈ he said.

Foreign Minister Jaua Milano also ensured President Rouhani that any initiative or plan devised by Tehran on regional developments, including Syria and Iraq, and especially Palestine, will be fully supported by Venezuela, which would accordingly harmonize with Tehran.

He also referred to an upcoming joint economic commission of the two countries later this summer, expressing hope that the two countriesˈ cooperation will further expand, as ˈthe Venezuelan Governmentˈs political will is beginning a new chapter in cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.ˈ

As of the end of 2008, Iranˈs beneficence to Venezuela had paid dividends in the form of an Iranian ammunition factory, a car assembly plant, a cement factory and even direct air service between Tehran, Damascus and Caracas courtesy of Iran Air, amongst others.

Trade between Venezuela and Iran has grown steadily and the two countries have launched joint ventures in a number of sectors, including energy, agriculture, housing, and infrastructure ever since the year 2008.

The value of industrial development projects carried out by Iranian firms in Venezuela stands at around $4 billion (December 2008). Iran-Venezuela bilateral trade spiked, from less than $189,000 in 2001 to almost $57 million by the end of 2008.

In 2007, Iran Air, in partnership with Conviasa, started a Tehran-Caracas flight via Damascus.