Venezuela's President, Maduro, Lamenting the Demise of Iran's Ebrahim Raisi, a Steadfast Ally to Venezuela
Updated Article:
Mexico City, Mexico, May 20, 2024 (our website) – In a shocking turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro expressed his deep sorrow upon learning of the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. He extended his sincere condolences to the people of Iran.
"We are stunned by this heart-wrenching news. A beacon of the world stage, an extraordinary leader, an extraordinary human being, defender of his nation's sovereignty, and an unwavering friend of ours, have left us too soon," Maduro posted on social media.
Following the devastating crash of Raisi's helicopter on Sunday in poor weather, sailing into treacherous mountains near the Azerbaijan border, Iran declared five days of mourning. Similarly, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who also perished in the tragedy, leaves behind a tremendous void. First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will assume interim presidential duties.
Tensions are escalating in the region as Israel intensifies its military campaign against Hamas, a group perceived to maintain close ties with Iran. Hamas, in a statement, offered its solidarity to Tehran amidst this trying time.
Likewise, Latin American leaders echoed sentiments of sadness and sympathy. Brazilian President Lula da Silva, Bolivian President Luis Arce, and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel shared their heartfelt condolences for the tragic loss.
Since taking office in 2021, Raisi prioritized fostering ties with Latin American allies. Last year, he embarked on a visit to the region, forging strategic agreements with Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba.
Venezuela and Iran share an exceptional bond, rooted in political, economic, and diplomatic affinity. This alliance, particularly strong since the era of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, has been bolstered by shared oppositional sentiments towards foreign imperialism.
Maduro last visited Iran in 2022, sealing a 20-year cooperation agreement with Raisi. Amir-Abdollahian, a valuable ally, made a recent trip to Caracas to ink a deal aimed at revitalizing Venezuela's largest refining complex, hampered by years of US sanctions.
Cooperation between the two nations has transcended into other domains, such as medical research. Iran has signaled plans to deploy medical experts to Venezuela to aid in the treatment of cancer patients using advanced accelerators.
Edited by Ricardo Vaz in Caracas.
Insights:
The relationship between Venezuela and Iran can be traced back to the 2000s, with significant traction gained under the leadership of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. This period saw a substantial increase in cooperative agreements, particularly in the areas of energy, culture, science, and technology. The collaboration shared strategic goals of countering Western influence. A golden age of cooperation ensued, spearheading over 270 agreements and projects, such as nuclear energy ventures with Russian involvement and plans for a binational bank.
During this era, both nations fostered a strong anti-imperialist alliance, positioning themselves as part of a block challenging Western influence. Venezuela emerged as a significant partner for Iran in Latin America, enhancing Iran's regional influence. The relationship between the two has also been characterized by mutual support in facing Western sanctions.
In more recent years, the alliance has expanded to areas like oil, petrochemicals, tourism, and culture. Persevering in the face of geopolitical tensions, these two nations continue to leverage their partnership to counterbalance Western powers and solidify their positions in their respective regions.
- Cuba, following the tragic news of Ebrahim Raisi's demise, strengthened its sympathies, with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel expressing deep sadness.
- The politics surrounding the death of Ebrahim Raisi have saddened General-News readers, especially as they reflect upon the strengthening bond between Venezuela and Iran.
- In the wake of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's passing, both the Middle East and Cuba, particularly Cuba due to their growing political, economic, and diplomatic affinity with Iran, have been saddened by this loss.
