Iranian Official’s Visit to Venezuela: Strengthening Ties Against US Influence
On Sunday, Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Baka Karibah, emphasized his commitment to countering “global rog arrogance” during his visit to Venezuela. He highlighted the importance of solidifying economic relationships between Iran and Venezuela, both of which have taken anti-US stances.
Karibah’s trip to Caracas is part of a broader tour through Latin America, which includes visits to Cuba and Brazil, culminating in participation in a parliamentary forum associated with the BRICS alliance. During meetings with Venezuelan officials, including Foreign Minister Ivan Gil, discussions revolved around enhancing cooperation in trade, education, and communication.
According to reports from the Islamic Republic News Agency, the aim is to “neutralize the enemy’s plans” and to dismantle trade barriers that stem from US sanctions placed on both nations.
“It’s quite a lengthy journey, a 17-hour flight from Iran to Venezuela, but our spirits are united. It’s essential to share friends, as well as enemies,” Karibah remarked upon his arrival.
At a designated hotel in Caracas, Karibah and his delegation expressed a strong desire to develop their “full relationship.” He endorsed the use of BRICS Pay as a potential alternative to traditional international banking systems for their trade, advocating for transactions in national currencies rather than reliance on the US dollar.
Moreover, Karibah urged for a “long-term strategic agreement for cooperation” between Tehran and Caracas, suggesting that nations with mutual interests can collaborate more effectively. Iranian officials reiterated their intention to negotiate a free trade agreement with Venezuela while aiming to minimize banking obstacles between the two countries.
He mentioned the potential of national currencies and the BRICS payment system as replacements in their trade dealings, particularly in light of the current limitations imposed by sanctions.
“The Islamic Republic’s primary strategy is to enhance ties with Venezuela,” he stated.
Iran officially joined the BRICS Anti-US bloc in January 2024 after their membership bid was accepted. In contrast, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has struggled to secure membership, facing rejection largely due to concerns over trust between leaders after a presidential election.
The Venezuelan Minister of Transport, Ramon Velasquez Araguayan, emphasized that Karibah’s visit represents a significant step towards unity and mutual interests. He expressed a commitment to removing trade obstacles as quickly as possible. Additionally, new projects such as an “Iran-Venezuelan Science Centre” and an Iranian fiber optic cable factory are set to open in Venezuela, which reflects their ongoing efforts to forge closer economic connections.
Venezuelan officials have also established an Iranian insurance company in the nation to address shipping and aircraft insurance needs, further solidifying their cooperation.
Velasquez Araguayan noted, “We hope this conference will help eliminate barriers to economic exchanges, allowing for a true integration between the private and public sectors of both countries.”
In a related effort, Ricardo Sanchez, Venezuela’s Education Minister, met with Iranian officials to discuss educational initiatives. The Maduro administration has praised Iranian institutions for their Islamic studies, emphasizing their significance in cultural and educational exchanges that benefit Venezuela.
Historically, relations between Iran and Venezuela have strengthened since the era of former Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. Both countries share a common anti-US and anti-Israel stance, positioning Venezuela as one of Iran’s key regional allies. Recent years have seen both nations invigorate their ties, especially after high-profile visits between leaders from each country.
The challenges faced by Venezuela, particularly in the wake of socialism’s decline, have made the Maduro regime increasingly reliant on support from Iran, which includes financial aid amounting to over $100 million for oil refinery repairs.
In return, the Maduro government has provided various “gifts” to Iran, including seized resources and land, reflecting the deepening collaboration between the two authoritarian regimes.
