President Rouhani calls for expansion of ties with Venezuela

President Rouhani made the remarks in a meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, according to IRNA. 

Touching upon Iran-Venezuela cordial and friendly relations, President Rouhani congratulated Maduro over Venezuela's becoming the new chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). 

Iranian President will hand over NAM presidency to Maduro for a period of four years on Saturday when the 17th Summit of the organization opens here for two days.

President Rouhani also voiced Tehran's readiness to share its valuable experiences as the NAM president with Venezuela. 

Pointing to the current international and regional developments, President Rouhani reiterated that NAM could play a pivotal role at current situation. 

He also urged NAM members to unite and carry out collective efforts to achieve their common goals. 

President Rouhani also voiced Tehran's willingness to cooperate with Caracas in economic arenas and activate joint commission to devise upcoming mutual plans and programs. 

Maduro, for his part, said Caracas is fully determined to expand its all-out ties with Tehran.

He also voiced interest in making joint investments with Iran in industrial, infrastructural and energy arenas. 

Maduro also called for activation of mutual commission to foster Tehran-Caracas relations.

President Rouhani, heading a delegation, arrived in Margarita Island on Friday local time attend the summit of NAM.

Iran held the rotating presidency of NAM 2012-2016. 

Iranian Industry, Mine and Trade Minister Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh as head of Joint Iran-Venezuela Economic Commission and Health Minister Hassan Qazizadeh Hashemi as Head of Joint Iran-Cuba Economic Commission as well as Vice President for Science and Technology Sorena Sattari are accompanying Rouhani in his visit to Venezuela.