Iran and Venezuela have strengthened ties within the framework of the two countries' 20-year development roadmap, according to the head of Iran and Venezuela's Joint Economic Commission.

Iran's Minister of Defense Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani who is heading the two-day 9th meeting of the Iran-Venezuela Joint Economic Cooperation Commission which is underway in Tehran, said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran and Venezuela as two independent countries with close and common positions regarding many regional and international issues such as independence, the right to self-determination, multilateralism, and the need to deal with oppressive sanctions, as well as the development and deepening of bilateral cooperation, have the necessary cooperation in all scientific, economic, industrial, agricultural, energy and cultural dimensions."

"Iran is pleased to host this major economic event and considers it an opportunity to expand the strategic relations between the two countries as well as expand economic and commercial cooperation in various fields between the public and private sectors of the two countries," he added. 

Read next: Maduro, Iranian oil minister stress development of energy ties

The Iran-Venezuela Joint Economic Cooperation Commission's 9th meeting is attempting to boost trade relations between the two countries in the context of economic diplomacy, strategic advantages, and the parties' interactions, particularly in dealing with oppressive sanctions, according to Ashtiani.

He added, "Holding an exclusive exhibition of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the field of science, technology, and industry in 2022 in the city of Caracas, signing numerous technological understandings between the two sides and commercial and economic exchanges between the two countries have been among the most important actions within the past year."

Read next: El Palito, first Iranian-built overseas refinery opened in Venezuela

In terms of the commission's goals and priorities, Ashtiani stated that among the goals of the joint commission in the new round of cooperation between the parties are actualizing existing capacities, defining new areas of cooperation, utilizing the capacity of private and knowledge-based companies alongside state companies and organizations, and the presence of successful Iranian companies in Venezuela.

The relations developed under the leadership of the presidents of the two countries, he noted, adding that greater coordination and synergy between the different sectors of the two countries will eliminate existing obstacles and find solutions based on deepening relations.

"We are sure that with the effort, will, and expansion of cooperation, the commission will become a special and effective place in the relations between the two countries."