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Iran 'resolved' to strengthen strategic ties with Venezuela, shifts to BRICS Pay in trade: Qalibaf

Iran Press TV

Monday, 02 June 2025 8:28 AM

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf says Iran and Venezuela are resolved to expand all-out ties, calling for a shift to non-dollar and national currencies as well as the BRICS Pay in bilateral trade.

Qalibaf, who is in Caracas on the first leg of a tour of three Latin American countries, made the remark in a meeting with Iranian and Venezuelan traders and actors of the private sectors on Sunday.

Heading a parliamentary delegation, Qalibaf is scheduled to travel to Cuba and Brazil to attend the Parliamentary Forum of BRICS member states.

Pointing to the issues of the banking system and the Iran-Venezuela joint bank, he said, "National currencies and the BRICS payment system (BRICS Pay) - the bloc's proposed alternative to the SWIFT international payment system - can replace other currencies in the trade between the two countries."

He added that Iranian and Venezuelan traders are the "commanders" of the enemies' economic war against the two countries.

"The definitive policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to develop relations between Iran and Venezuela," the top parliamentarian said.

He called on Tehran and Caracas to implement long-term strategic agreements for cooperation, noting that countries that have common interests and friends and enemies can move "better and more cohesively."

He said the expansion of mutual relations can be helpful in facing opportunities and threats.

Despite difficulties, Iran and Venezuela enjoy extensive common interests, especially in the fields of OPEC, oil and energy, he explained.

He added that Tehran and Caracas can utilize the unique capacities provided by the geographical opportunities available in the two countries.

Qalibaf stressed the importance of accelerating trade between the two countries' private sectors based on a long-term strategic plan.

The relationship between the Iranian and Venezuelan nations is based on "supply and demand" which is more sustainable, economic and logical, he noted.

He said the implementation of free trade and removal of banking obstacles are important issues on the agenda of the Iranian administration and parliament.

Iran and Venezuela, both subject to illegal US sanctions, signed a 20-year partnership deal in June 2022 during President Nicolas Maduro's visit to Tehran.

The document covers cooperation in the fields of oil, petrochemicals, defense, agriculture, tourism, and culture. It also includes the repair of Venezuelan refineries and the export of technical and engineering services.