Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stressed Saturday, that developing relations between Tehran and Caracas is "a necessity, especially in trade and economic issues."

In a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, Raisi pointed to the need to strengthen Iranian-Venezuelan ties and noted that "the reason for the sanctions imposed by the hegemonic system and the United States on the people and the Venezuelan government is their endeavor for independence and freedom."

Raisi hoped that his conversation with Maduro would be a turning point for developing relations and increasing trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The Iranian president also congratulated Maduro on successfully holding the elections in Venezuela and said it highlights the power of the Venezuelan government.

Regarding Iran and Venezuela's position in The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Raisi highlighted that the "Oil cooperation between the two countries should take a new format and we need to take greater steps in the field of refining and supplying petrochemical resources."

Maduro: We will make a big leap in bilateral relations

For his part, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stressed the need to create a new dynamism in the economic relations between the two countries.

Maduro emphasized the good results of the meetings of the joint commissions between Venezuela and Iran.

"With each other's help, we will make a big leap in bilateral relations, especially in the fields of energy and economics."

As for OPEC, Maduro said work should be done on bringing the organization "to a lasting stability in the oil market." 

The Venezuelan president also stressed that "there is a lot of joint work between Iran and Venezuela," noting that he is "very optimistic that with the help of joint commissions" the two countries can conclude new agreements.