Iran and Venezuela on Saturday signed a 20-year agreement on comprehensive economic and political co-operation, state media reported.
The deal was signed by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, who is on a visit to Tehran, the semi-official Irna news agency reported.
The pact “shows the determination of the high-level officials of the two countries for development of relations in different fields”, Mr Raisi said.
It includes co-operation in the fields of oil, petrochemicals, and tourism and culture.
Mr Maduro arrived in Iran on Friday after visiting Turkey. This was his second visit to Tehran — the first was six years ago.
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Supporters of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro cheer outside the polling station where his is voting during presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela. Ricardo Mazalan / AP Photo -
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro makes the victory sign after voting in presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela. Ricardo Mazalan / AP Photo -
With an image of the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez behind him a Venezuelan citizen casts his vote at a polling station during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela. Marco Bello / Reuters -
A large sign supporting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro sits atop a building during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela. Marco Bello / Reuters -
Venezuelans queue outside a polling station as they wait to cast their vote during the presidential elections in Caracas. Federico Parra / AFP -
Venezuelan citizens check electoral lists at a polling station during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela. Carlos Garcia Rawlins / Reuters -
Elderly Venezuelan citizens depart after casting their votes at a polling station during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela. Carlos Garcia Rawlins / Reuters -
Venezuelan citizens check in at a 'Red Point,' an area set up by President Nicolas Maduro's party, to verify that they cast their votes during the presidential election in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. Carlos Jasso / Reuters
In a Friday interview with the Iranian Spanish television channel Hispan TV, Mr Maduro said that plans and strategies for the next 20 years would be reviewed at his meeting with Mr Raisi.
Earlier, Mr Maduro said Iran helped Venezuela by sending fuel despite US sanctions and threats.
“Tehran’s delivery of oil to Caracas was a great help to the Venezuelan people,” he said.
A high-ranking political and economic delegation from Venezuela, which like Iran is under heavy US sanctions, is accompanying Mr Maduro on the two-day visit.
Venezuela has received Iranian tankers at its ports in the past. Iran also has exported cars to Venezuela.
