TEHRAN – Iranian Defence Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh has called for a significant expansion of collaboration between Iran and Venezuela, highlighting untapped opportunities that could bolster ties between the two nations.

Speaking upon his arrival in Caracas on Wednesday, Nasirzadeh stressed the importance of activating the “inactive capacities” in their bilateral relationship to achieve mutual growth.  

Leading a high-level delegation, Nasirzadeh is in Venezuela to attend the 10th meeting of the Iran-Venezuela Joint Economic Cooperation Commission. 

The commission is a key platform for advancing the 20-year strategic agreement signed by both nations, which seeks to deepen their partnership across various sectors.  

Nasirzadeh outlined the objectives of his visit, noting that the focus will be on devising actionable strategies to enhance economic collaboration. During his stay, multiple committees—including representatives from the private sector and knowledge-based companies—will convene to identify new avenues for growth.  

“Our primary goal is to propose and implement solutions that expand economic cooperation between the two countries,” Nasirzadeh stated. “This focus aligns with the directives of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Iranian president, who have consistently emphasized the importance of fostering stronger ties with Venezuela.”  

The defence minister is also scheduled to hold discussions with senior Venezuelan officials, including the ministers of oil, defence , economy, and finance. These meetings aim to explore specific areas of collaboration in energy, defence, and trade.  

A highlight of Nasirzadeh’s visit will be a meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, where the two leaders are expected to discuss key initiatives to enhance their strategic partnership. This high-level engagement reflects the growing significance of Iran-Venezuela relations, particularly as both countries work to counter international sanctions and economic pressures.  

The 20-year agreement between Iran and Venezuela has paved the way for collaboration in strategic fields, including energy, defense, agriculture, and technology. Nasirzadeh’s role as head of the Iranian side of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission underscores Tehran’s commitment to turning this vision into reality.  

Nasirzadeh also highlighted the importance of leveraging private sector innovation, stating that knowledge-based companies can play a crucial role in advancing bilateral projects. He expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of the joint commission meeting, describing it as an opportunity to “unlock dormant capacities” and pave the way for sustainable economic growth.  

The visit marks another milestone in the growing alliance between Tehran and Caracas, both of which have faced similar challenges on the global stage. By fostering deeper cooperation, the two nations aim to create new economic opportunities while resisting external pressures.