Zarif, Cuban President-Elect Underline Enhancement of Ties

EghtesadOnline: Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif discussed ways of expanding bilateral ties with Bolivia’s President-Elect Luis Arce in La Paz on Saturday.

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09 November 2020

He arrived in Bolivia as part of his three-nation Latin American tour after visiting Venezuela and Cuba, and was set to participate in the inauguration of Arce on Sunday.

“Just arrived in La Paz, to celebrate with Bolivians the fruits of their struggle to restore their democracy,” he tweeted.

Bolivia saw a coup d’état against its recently elected president, Evo Morales, last November. Bolivians, however, delivered a resounding victory last month to Arce, from the same political party as the ousted president.

“Great to witness the joy people exhibit celebrating their restoration of liberty & democracy,” Zarif added in his tweet.

The foreign minister’s visit would mark the resumption of bilateral relations between the two countries, which was interrupted by the coup and the installation of a de facto government in La Paz.

In his meeting with Arce and Vice President-elect David Choquehuanca, Zarif conveyed Iran’s congratulations on their victory and wished them and their nation the best.

“We discussed our brotherly ties—political and economic—and ways to expand them,” he said.

The top diplomat also stressed that Iran strongly stands by the people and government of Bolivia.

Arce appreciated Zarif’s participation in his swearing-in ceremony and said his administration is intent on enhancing relations with Iran, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Zarif later held a telephone conversation with his Nicaraguan counterpart, Denis Moncada.

Highlighting friendly relations between the two countries, he expressed hope that he would visit the Central American country in the near future.

Moncada welcomed Iranian officials’ visits to his country and underlined the potential for boosting bilateral cooperation.