Americas

Iran eyes enhanced politico-economic ties with Chile: Zarif

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the Islamic Republic is keen to strengthen politico-economic relations with Chile.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (R) and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet

“Simultaneous with the expansion of political relations, we are also interested in bolstering economic ties with Chile,” Zarif said in a meeting with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet in Santiago on Friday.

He added that a large economic delegation is accompanying him to discuss ways to improve economic cooperation with the South American country.

The Chilean president, for her part, expressed her country’s willingness to develop relations with Iran.

She added that Tehran and Santiago can exchange extensive experience they have in different sectors.

During his stay in Santiago, the top Iranian diplomat held separate talks with Chilean Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz, president of Chamber of Deputies Osvaldo Andrade and a number of senators.

Zarif kicked off his six-nation Latin American tour on Monday at the head of a high-ranking politico-economic delegation comprising 120 businessmen and financial executives from government and private sectors. The tour started off in Cuba where he met with Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez and the country’s President Raul Castro.

The Iranian foreign minister also paid visits to Nicaragua and Ecuador. He wrapped up his trip to Chile and arrived in Bolivia on Friday and will also visit Venezuela on the final leg of his tour.

Among the Latin American countries, Iran has developed more advanced ties with Venezuela. In June, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said the Islamic Republic had agreed to a $500 million credit line for his country to finance joint investments there.

Iran is involved in a series of joint ventures worth several billion dollars in energy, agriculture, housing, and infrastructure sectors in Venezuela.

IFP Media Wire

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