TEHRAN – The Iranian ambassador to Havana has hailed Latin American countries and the Caribbean as ones of strategic importance not only because of economic merits but the role they play in international organizations.

“The Latin American region and the Caribbean include 33 independent countries and have a population of more than 600 million, offering great economic capacities which can benefit the both sides,” said Kambiz Sheikh Hassani, IRNA reported on Monday.

The ambassador made the remarks as Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif embarked on a tour of Latin America at the head of a high-ranking politico-economic delegation. The visit which started with Cuba on Monday will take the Iranian delegation to Nicaragua, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia and Venezuela as well.

However, the lure of Latin American is much beyond the economic benefits. For Iran, winning the support of the countries in the region amounts to a leverage in the international arena where it is votes not countries that count.

The Iranian ambassador to Cuba says, “The Latin American region and the Caribbean include 33 independent countries and have a population of more than 600 million, offering great economic capacities which can benefit the both sides.”

“The influential voice of Latin American countries and the Caribbean in international organizations makes it strategically necessary to establish and boost relations with the countries, something which has not escaped our attention,” the ambassador highlighted.

There are at least two signs that Tehran can make it. Iran is emerging from years of the Western-led sanctions.

“The lifting of the West’s unfair sanctions against Iran makes it possible to depict a brighter prospect of communication with the countries,” according to Sheikh Hassani.

“The second is the rise of separatist and liberation movements in Latin America.”

While seeking to fulfill its goals, Iran’s attitude to the countries is one of “brotherly nature,” he added.

AK/PA