TEHRAN – Venezuela’s ambassador to Tehran says Iran has a great impact on not only Venezuela but also on other Latin American countries and the whole world, thanks to its roots in people’s will.
Carlos Antonio Alcala Cordones told IRNA Saturday that Venezuela’s late leader Hugo Chavez was the one who forged friendly relationship with Iran, which is being enhanced by the current administration in Caracas.
“We in Latin America have great respect for the Islamic Revolution, Iranian people and leadership, who provided us with an honorable pattern,” he said.
Cordones touched on the common cause of the revolutions in Iran, Cuba and Venezuela in opposing imperialism and hegemonic U.S. policies.
“People’s participation in the decision-making process through elections is another commonality of Venezuela and Iran,” Cordones added.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Venezuelan ambassador touched on extensive trade and economic ties between Tehran and Caracas in spite of U.S. sanctions, saying in his three-year tenure in Iran, the two sides have inked several agreements to boost cooperation in energy, tourism, food industry, defense, healthcare and security sectors.
He called for further deepening of relations and enhancing unity in order to be able to stand against U.S. unilateralism and sanctions, noting that a bloc consisting of Iran, Venezuela, Russia and China can provide each other to resist their common enemy.
Cordones hailed Iran’s key role in helping revitalize Venezuela’s oil industry, expressing hope that their cooperation will continue for the years to come.
Recalling a trip by Iran’s legendary commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani to Venezuela, Cordones said the tour was very important for the Bolivarian government and helped bolster bilateral relations.
“The Iranian general was a symbol of love, sacrifice for the homeland, government and sovereignty of Iran, as well as a great example to be followed,” he said.