During a visit to Latin America, Javad Owji met with Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and thanked him for hosting the Iranian delegation.

He said the Raisi administration was keen on expanding relations with Latin American countries, saying during the past 9 months, two Iranian delegations have visited Nicaragua.

He stressed that the 13th government's approach is to expand economic and political relations with Latin American countries, especially Nicaragua. "There are no restrictions for the two countries in developing economic relations," he said.

The Minister of Petroleum, stating that the Iranian people have made great achievements in the field of oil industry, agriculture, nuclear, pharmaceutical, medicine, etc. in the last 43 years due to US sanctions, added: "Today, thanks to God and the efforts of oil industry workers in Iran, great achievements have been achieved in the oil and gas field such as the daily production of one billion cubic meters of gas, the activity of 65 petrochemical units and 25 oil and gas refineries.”

Owji pointed to Venezuela's supply of fuel and petroleum products in recent years, and said: "Iran has been a helper of Latin American countries, especially Nicaragua, in the difficult days of US sanctions. The policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to protect the independence, freedom and right to self-determination of nations and not to interfere in other countries, so we strongly condemn the interference of some countries in the internal affairs of Nicaragua.”

Iran supplying fuel to Nicaragua

"We have reached good agreements in the last two days in a meeting with Nicaraguan oil and agriculture officials," he said. "These agreements and contracts will be signed in the presence of the President of Nicaragua. We hope to see a new chapter in bilateral relations in the oil industry and other areas. One of the most important of these contracts is the supply of fuel to Nicaragua.”

The Minister of Petroleum pointed out the importance and increase of energy prices in world markets and continued: "Our forecast and that of other energy experts is that the price of oil will undoubtedly increase in the coming months. I promise you we will do our best to supply fuel to the friendly and brother country of Nicaragua.”

Iran, Venezuela, Nicaragua building Petro-refineries

Referring to the completion of the first phase of the 100,000-barrel Nicaraguan oil refinery with the investment of Venezuela, despite US sanctions, Owji said: "By submitting the technical documents for this project, Iran will undoubtedly participate in the completion of this project and other refining projects."

He pointed out that Iran is also in the process of developing the Nicaraguan oil and gas fields, noting: "Soon, when we return to Tehran, my colleagues and I will analyze the information obtained about development of this field."

The Iranian Minister of Petroleum said oil bartering deals are good methods to circumvent US sanctions by Iran and Nicaragua, adding, "There is a good potential for agriculture and animal husbandry in this country that we can benefit from.”