Iran, Venezuela hail close ties against US

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 07-03-2007 13:06

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (R) and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez wave to journalists after a news conference in Asalouyeh Seaport, 900 km (560 miles) southwest of Tehran, July 2, 2007.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Iran and Venezuela have begun construction of a joint petrochemical plant in Iran. Both countries promise to strengthen ties and unite in the opposition of expansionist powers a veiled reference to the United States.

On Monday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad hailed the brotherhood between his country and Venezuela.

Ahmadinejad said, "As we both have said several times, there is no obstacle and no limitation to the development of the two countries."

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez echoed these sentiments and expressed condemnation of the US.

Chavez said, "Both countries are united and will defeat the imperialism of North America the two of us are holding hands and are joined, joined in the morals of the people."

Ahmadinejad and Chavez were in Iran's southern port city of Assaluyeh to inaugurate the construction of a joint petrochemical plant. The two leaders also signed three cooperation agreements in oil and energy sectors to further cement their already solid tie.

Chavez arrived in Tehran late on Saturday for a two-day visit which officials say is aimed at boosting political and economic cooperation between the two countries. This is Chavez's third visit to Iran since Iranian President Ahmadinejad took office in 2005.

Editor:Du Xiaodan