Venezuela, Iran Seek to Boost Dialogue Within OPEC

The Venezuelan government made the comment Tuesday, one day after President Hugo Chavez spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, by telephone. The two leaders spoke ahead of next month's meeting in Caracas on strengthening political and economic cooperation between their two countries.

Both Venezuela and Iran belong to OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Separately, both leaders discussed the conflicts in Libya and Syria. A Venezuelan Foreign Ministry statement says the two have agreed to closely follow the situation in those countries and deepen efforts to “achieve peace.” The statement did not elaborate.

Last October, President Chavez met with President Ahmadinejad in Caracas. Both men said they were united in efforts to establish a “new world order” that will eliminate Western dominance over global affairs. They also denounced what they called U.S. “imperialism” and said their opponents will not be able to impede cooperation between Venezuela and Iran.

Caracas and Tehran have solidified their political and trade ties in recent years.