Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez arrived in Tehran, Iran, on Saturday for his fifth visit to the Islamic country to meet with his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmedinejad.
Chavez' two-day visit comes as Iran faces renewed international pressure for its nuclear program.
During a meeting at the presidential palace, Chavez said,
 "Venezuela will always stand with Iran under any circumstances."
Iranian state television reported, talks between the Venezuelan and Iranian leaders were expected to focus on bilateral issues.
Ahmedinejad said Tehran and Caracas also share common interests as members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
 "Whether in mutual relations or regional and international issues, we have plans and programs that we coordinate and carry out together."
During his visit, Chavez will also inaugurate the new Venezuelan embassy in Tehran and meet Iranian business leaders.
The leaders and top officials are expected to sign memorandums of understanding in various fields.
|