Iran signed 35 accords with Latin American states, Raisi says
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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi lands back in Tehran after touring Latin America.
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Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi walk past the honor guard during a state visit in Havana, Cuba, June 15, 2023 (AP)
Tehran signed 35 cooperation agreements with Latin American countries in the fields of mining, reactors, and various other areas, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said Friday, upon his return from his tour in Latin America.
Raisi clarified that 5 contracts worth $5 billion were signed in the knowledge sectors, and he announced the formation of a special working group for Latin American countries, appointing its members in preparation for commencing its work.
The Iranian President stressed that "opposing imperialism is a common denominator between the Islamic Revolution and the countries of Latin America."
Raisi left the Cuban capital, Havana, on Thursday evening, heading to Tehran, marking the conclusion of his tour to Latin American states, namely Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, upon an official invitation from the presidents of these countries.
During this tour, Raisi met with senior officials from the three countries and spoke with a group of businessmen, scientists, and academics.
During this tour, which aimed to develop Iran's relations with the corresponding nations, increase the level of interaction, and strengthen common relations, several cooperation documents were signed in various fields by high-ranking officials from Iran and the three Latin American countries.
Before touring Latin America, Raisi stressed Iran's position, saying the countries he would visit were "standing against the hegemonic system" and affirming that relations with independent Latin American countries are strategic.
Iran is working on its ties with Latin American countries within the framework of its policy aimed at "diversifying international relations," which coincides with its efforts to enhance relations with regional countries under the title of "neighborhood policy".
The Iranian President has highlighted the necessity of continued communication between independent nations in order to safeguard them from imperialist aggressions.
He has previously described Tehran's relationship with the three Latin American nations as strategic, highlighting their opposition to an international system based on "unilateral hegemonic power."
"Our common position with these three countries is opposition to the [world’s] hegemonic system and unilateralism," he indicated, adding that Iran cooperates with those countries in numerous areas.
"Export of technical and engineering manpower is among our important cooperation areas," he said, adding, "We also cooperate with Latin American countries in the fields of politics, energy, science and technology, medicine, and economy."
Raisi said he was visiting after an invitation from the presidents of the three countries, stressing that this visit was a pivotal point in developing Tehran’s ties with them. Additionally, the president highlighted the opportunities present in Iran and the three countries that can expand and broaden their "strategic relations."
During the trip, Iran and Venezuela both signed a 20-year partnership agreement last June to bolster bilateral cooperation in various fields during Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's visit to Tehran.
The last time an Iranian official made a visit to Latin America was back in February when Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made an official visit to Nicaragua and Venezuela.
