TEHRAN – Iranian Chairman Mohammad Bagh Karibahu arrived in Caracas on Sunday to lead a high-level parliamentary delegation.
The visit will launch a strategic multinational tour across Latin America, followed by stops in Cuba and Brazil.
Upon landing at Caracas airport, Karibahu received an official welcome from Venezuela Foreign Minister Ivan Gil Pinto, head of the Iran-Venezuela Joint Committee, member of the Venezuela Parliament and member of Iranian ambassador Hojatra Sortani, Minister of Transport Ramon Belazukes.
Iranian parliamentary leaders have demonstrated historic solidarity, instantly paying tribute to South American liberator Simon Bolivar, and laid wreaths on the spirit us to honor the legacy of the warriors of freedom.
The Venezuela Karibahu agenda focuses on high-level meetings with government officials and joint business forums aimed at addressing obstacles to trade development between the two countries.
Following the welcome of Iranian officials, the Venezuelan foreign minister emphasized Iran’s geopolitical significance, saying “Iran guarantees peace in the region and is a source of goodwill.”
He emphasized that all countries deserve to achieve technological development rights, preserving national sovereignty, and achieving peace and stability, and he emphasized that “peace is impossible without Iran.”
The visit will proceed with the implementation of a comprehensive cooperation agreement signed in May 2022 when the Venezuelan president visited Tehran.
Venezuela serves as an important conduit for Iranian raw materials, especially alumina, iron ore and rare earth metals.
Furthermore, the country offers great potential for Iran-led offshore agriculture projects and refineries development. Bilateral trade reached $3.6 billion in 2022, with both countries working to expand further.
Karibahu’s Latin American mission also reflects Tehran’s strategic priorities to deepen ties with the region despite external pressure.
Abulfazl Amoei, special assistant to the Speaker of the Parliament for International Affairs of Iran, explained, “Latin America provides a valuable opportunity for the Islamic Republic of Iran to expand its commercial and economic partnerships.”
He identified economic cooperation and development as the main objectives of the tour, particularly amid the geopolitical reorganizations around the world.
The delegation will then travel to Cuba. There, Amoway said the country represents the “focus of justice-oriented approaches in Latin America.”
The tour concludes with Brazil, where Iran is taking part in the BRICS parliamentary forum. It is an important platform for international dialogue and collaboration.
The Tehran Caracas partnership, solidified under former president Hugo Chavez, has evolved into a multifaceted alliance.
Venezuela’s vast energy complements Iran’s technical expertise and manifests itself in industrial collaborations such as refinery modernization projects and tractor manufacturing.
Both countries share proven resilience to the sanctions illustrated in Iran’s 2020 fuel shipments that alleviated Venezuela’s shortage.
Beyond Venezuela, Iran sees Latin America as an important area for diplomatic and economic outreach.