In a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Venezuelan counterpart Delcy Rodríguez, the two sides called for further expansion of relations between Tehran and Caracas.

During the meeting in Tehran, Zarif noted his next week visit to a number of Latin American countries including Venezuela, during which he will be accompanied by a large, high-ranking economic delegation comprising government officials and representatives of the private sector; "the delegation on this visit will be larger and stronger compared to previous visits, and this shows Iran’s special attention to further development of all-out relations with Latin American countries," Zarif said according to MEHR News Agency.

He went on to highlight the many fields for bilateral cooperation with Venezuela, adding "I hope that the presence of representatives from the banking and energy sectors will pave the way for broader relations in these two significant fields."

Zarif also touched upon the NAM chair transfer to Venezuela, adding "the Islamic Republic of Iran as one of the key members and the former president of the Non-Aligned Movement is ready to make every effort for the better holding of the NAM summit in Venezuela."

The Venezuelan foreign minister, for her part, called for the expansion of relations between the two countries, and highlighted the need for the continuation of consultations between Iranian and Venezuelan officials on various regional and international issues.

Rodríguez further conferred with Zarif on the upcoming NAM summit to be held in her country, where Venezuela will be handed over the presidency of the Movement for three years.

Source: MENA