Venezuela, Iran establish commission to promote ties

Ministers from Iran and Venezuela on Tuesday unveiled the Eighth Mixed Commission here to promote bilateral cooperation, state media reported.

Iranian Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh and his Venezuelan counterpart Jose David Cabello, along with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Rafael Ramirez presided over the ceremony, said the Venezuelan News Agency.

The commission aims to "find the quickest routes to facilitate social, cultural, energy and industrial projects," Cabello was quoted as saying.

"The commission will develop five working groups in the areas of social affairs, industry, education, energy and agriculture," Cabello added.

Nematzadeh said both private sectors and state-owned companies in Iran have developed ties with Venezuela.

The Iranian envoy is scheduled to visit some of the joint projects in Venezuela, including housing construction, vehicle manufacturing and mining exploration.

Forged close ties during the administration of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez, the two nations have already undertaken more than 40 projects and signed 265 cooperation accords.