TEHRAN, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Monday that Iran's relations with "independent" Latin American states are "strategic."
Raisi made the remarks in an address to reporters before leaving for a five-day visit to Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba at the invitation of leaders of the three Latin American countries, according to a statement published on the website of the president's office.
He said Iran, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba share the common stance of opposing the global hegemonic system and confronting unilateralism, noting that today, most Latin American countries are seeking to live "independently."
He stressed that during the past years, Iran remained "good and friendly" relations with these countries, adding that they also enjoyed good cooperation in the energy sector.
Iran can also cooperate with these countries by exporting technical and engineering services, the president added.
Iran and the three Latin American countries have all been under the sanctions imposed by the United States, prompting Iran to expand relations with the three countries to counter the U.S. moves. ■
