CARACAS: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday that he would visit Iran soon to finalize new agreements on cooperation with the Middle Eastern country, which has become Venezuela’s top ally in boosting oil production amid US sanctions. Is.
Venezuela and Iran have strengthened their ties since last year.
Maduro’s government has received critical equipment for its oil industry from Iran, in exchange for crude oil and other primary resources from the South American country. Iran has been crucial to Venezuela’s growing oil production in 2021.
“I am going to Tehran very soon, for a visit that President (Ibrahim) Raisi offered to me, so that we can meet in person, negotiate and sign new agreements … and the processes of cooperation. speed up,” Maduro said during one. Interview with satellite news broadcaster Al Mayadin in Spanish, which was later broadcast on Venezuela’s state television.
Maduro said he had two telephone conversations with Iran’s president, adding that he had agreed to work on new plans without providing details. He also did not specify the date of the visit but described the two countries as “fighters”.
In 2022, Venezuela would also like to reactivate the means of cooperation with Arab countries, Maduro said, adding, “They love us in the Arab world, I know that Arab governments and people love Venezuela.”
The tightening of US sanctions since 2019 has affected Venezuela’s ability to sell crude and import fuel, leading to nationwide gasoline shortages.
Under US sanctions, Iran and Venezuela seal oil export deal – ReutersIran sends warships to the Atlantic amid Venezuelan concerns.