Development of Economic Diplomacy with Venezuela Boosted in President Raisi’s Administration


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s former representative to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said the administration of President Ebrahim Raisi has promoted economic diplomacy between Iran and Venezuela.

Speaking in an interview with IRNA on Thursday, Mohammad Ali Khatibi pointed to the achievements of Raisi’s visit to Venezuela earlier this week and stated that foreign companies had been doing technical and engineering services in Venezuela before sanctions, and the opportunity was given to Iran after sanctions to showcase their capabilities in all fields, especially in the oil and energy industry.

The two countries have always had good cooperation in various oil- and non-oil sectors, he emphasized.

Referring to the development of trade and economic relations with Venezuela, Khatibi said the country should use all its potentials to enhance relations with friendly and neighboring countries.

Iran has many potentials in addition to exporting oil, and can prepare the ground for the presence of knowledge-based companies in this South American country, the former envoy added.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he said the volume of trade exchanges between Iran and Venezuela should increase significantly since the two countries have high capacities in the field of energy, thermal power plants, repair and maintenance of refineries, and export of technical and engineering services.

Cooperation between Iran and Venezuela in industrial, mineral, agricultural, energy, scientific and technological sectors is a clear manifestation of constructive interaction between the two sides, Khatibi concluded.