A notable bilateral partnership emerged this Saturday as Iran and Venezuela formalized a long-term cooperation pact spanning twenty years. The agreement covers a wide range of sectors, including oil and gas, refining, petrochemicals, tourism, food security, and technology.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro witnessed the signing at the Sad Abad Palace in Tehran, an event described by both leaders as the start of an enduring friendship between the two nations. The ceremony occurred during a meeting that underscored mutual resolve in the face of external pressures, including Western sanctions they both label as imperialist attempts to weaken their sovereignty.
Maduro arrived in Tehran leading a large delegation that included several Venezuelan ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Communications, Science, Transport, and Tourism. The visit to Iran was part of a broader international tour that previously took the president through Turkey and Algeria.
strategic cooperation
In remarks during a press conference with Raisi, Maduro highlighted multiple fronts of collaboration under the new framework. He pointed to energy, involving oil and gas, refining capacity and petrochemical production, as well as financial cooperation and defense industries. The Venezuelan leader described the cooperation map as exceptionally robust and comprehensive.
Maduro reiterated Venezuela’s commitment to backing the Islamic Republic and its leadership, signaling strong bilateral solidarity within the Bolivarian framework.
Raisi stressed that the relationship between Tehran and Caracas is strategic, built to counter imperialist pressure and the influence of the United States. He described the 20-year partnership as a clear expression of both nations’ determination to deepen ties across diverse sectors. The president also noted that Iran has shown remarkable resilience in the face of sanctions and other perceived threats for more than four decades.
Although details of the agreement were not disclosed at length, Maduro emphasized the aim of reinforcing sovereignty and food security for both countries. Tehran and Caracas will cooperate in the technology arena to enhance food production for Venezuela and to manufacture products intended for export to Iran and the broader region.
direct flights
Maduro announced that direct air connections between Caracas and Tehran would commence on July 18, starting with a weekly schedule and with plans to boost frequency over time.
He also invited Iranian tourists to explore Venezuela, describing the Caribbean coast, the South American landscape, the Andes, and the Amazon as attractive destinations for visitors from Iran.
Maduro closed by envisioning a future where a world free of imperialism and full of equality becomes a reality through joint efforts by Iran and Venezuela. He urged the youth of both nations to understand that the coming era could be defined by justice and shared prosperity, with active participation from both peoples.
The two countries have enjoyed a close relationship since the era of Hugo Chávez, built on shared opposition to U.S. policies. In recent years Iran has emerged as a key ally for Venezuela, especially during times of fuel shortages when Tehran supplied gasoline. Maduro recalled Iran’s assistance during a HispanTV interview conducted shortly after arriving in Tehran, noting that shipments of oil have provided meaningful relief to the Venezuelan people.
The exchange during the visit underscored a strategic partnership that proponents say could reshape regional energy dynamics and cross-border commerce for years to come.