According to President.ir, Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, in a telephone conversation with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday evening, called the relations between the two countries strategic, and said: "The current relations between Iran and Venezuela should be bolstered under the new Iranian administration."

Referring to the high capacity of Iran and Venezuela, he added: "Development of relations between Tehran and Caracas is a necessity, especially in trade and economic issues."

Emphasizing the desire for independence, justice, fighting arrogance and the struggle of the Venezuelan people and government against the domination system, the President stated: “The reason for the sanctions imposed by the arrogant system and the United States on the Venezuelan people and government is their independence and freedom.”

Referring to the position of Iran and Venezuela in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), he said: "Oil cooperation between the two countries must take a new form and in the field of refining and petrochemical resources, we need to take greater steps."