TEHRAN -- Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa-Mohammad Najjar has said Tehran and Caracas are implementing a long-term plan to strengthen their relations.

He made the remarks in a meeting with Venezuelan Vice President Ramon Carrizales and the country’s defense minister.
Najjar arrived in the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Monday for a three-day visit. It is the first visit by an Iranian defense minister since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
During the first round of talks between the two countries’ officials, both sides called for an expansion of bilateral relations, particularly in the area of defense, and Najjar briefed Venezuelan officials on Iran’s military achievements and capabilities.
The Iranian defense minister also visited the Venezuelan Military Academy and held talks with its instructors and students.
As part of the plan to strengthen Iran-Venezuela relations, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki visited Venezuela in late March for talks with President Hugo Chavez and other officials.
Over the past few years, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his team have made serious efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations with Latin American countries, especially with Venezuela