Venezuela congratulates Iran on revolution anniversary

VENEZUELA: Venezuela congratulated Iran Monday on the 34th anniversary of the Islamic revolution that toppled the country's last shah, and reaffirmed its close ties with Tehran.

A foreign ministry statement underscored Venezuela's "commitment" with the government of President Mahmud Ahmadinejad "to continue working together to build a multipolar world with no hegemony of any kind."

Venezuela and Iran both pursue anti-US foreign policies, and in recent years have signed five billion dollars in agreements to build in Venezuela cement factories, satellites, processed foods, tractors and bicycles.

President Hugo Chavez, who is convalescing from cancer surgery in Cuba, has made 13 visits to Iran since 1999, while Ahmadinejad has reciprocated with six visits to Venezuela since 2005.

AFP