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.
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.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
