TEHRAN – Bolivian President Evo Morales has voiced his county’s interest in the participation of Iranian companies in Bolivia’s economic and development projects, Shana reported on Sunday.

Morales made the remarks in a meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the 17th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Venezuela's Margarita Island.

Rouhani for his part expressed Iran’s readiness to contribute to Bolivia’s economic and development projects and noted that there are no limits to Iran-Bolivia bilateral cooperation in all areas and strengthening the ties would be in line with both sides’ interests.

Elsewhere in his remarks the Iranian president underscored collaboration of the two countries’ public and private sectors, saying that “enhancing banking relations could be a push in this regard.”

Morales further expressed his satisfaction with the work of Iranian companies in his country and wished for expansion of cooperation.

He also invited his Iranian counterpart to attend the next summit of the heads of state and government of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) scheduled for January 2018 in Bolivia.

Earlier in August, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that economic relations between Iran and Bolivia stand at a good level, calling for expansion of relations in various areas.

Zarif made the remarks during an economic conference in the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz, where he further expressed hope that the relations between Iran and Bolivia will expand enough to engage the private sector.

In his visit to Latin American country the top Iranian diplomat was accompanied by a high-ranking politico-economic delegation comprising 120 businessmen and financial executives from government and private sectors.

EF/MG