Iran-Venezuela FMs discuss mutual interests

Tehran, Nov 18, IRNA – Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki in a meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, here on Tuesday evening, discussed issues of mutual interest.

After the meeting, Mottaki told reporters that both sides agreed upon further expansion of ties. Big steps will have to be taken to develop the industry, agriculture, auto and tractor manufacturing companies, and establishing of Iranian companies to operate in Venezuela.

He said that during President Ahmadinejad’s upcoming visit to Venezuela both countries will take new steps toward more cooperation.

Mottaki underlined that the two countries have the same position on political issues in west of Asia and the Middle East.
Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq are among issues to be discussed during President Ahmadinejad's visit next week.

For his part, Maduro appraised his visit to Iran as 'positive'. He appreciated Iran’s concerns about Latin American issues, saying that his country’s strategy is to create a multipolar world.

He added that the two sides discussed issues in the fields of agriculture, food production, energy and industry development./end