The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, reviewed a set of bilateral agreements on oil, mining and health, among other sectors, during a meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia, reported the Venezuelan Television Television (VTV).
The public media pointed out that both countries, which agreed in 2023 to increase economic and commercial cooperation to 10 billion dollars, have a “preponderant role in current geopolitics and are key actors in the balance of the energy market.”
On Telegram, the Venezuelan head of state assured that his country and Iran have always maintained an “unbreakable unity” and continue to “give a message” with “giant steps to consolidate the construction of a multipolar world.”
“We are a unitary bloc that is moving towards a geopolitics without colonialism or hegemonies!” said Maduro.
Signing agreement
According to a note from the Vice Presidency, the Caribbean nation signed a 20-year agreement with Iran in 2022 for collaboration in the “energy sector and other areas”, without specifying more details in this regard.
Likewise, he highlighted that Iran offered its support for Venezuela’s aspiration to join the BRICS – founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -, with the intention, according to Maduro, of “counteracting the international attacks that affect” its Government, a desire frustrated by the decision of the South American giant to veto that entry, which Caracas sees as a “hostile gesture” and an “aggression.”
Maduro arrived in the Russian city of Kazan on Tuesday to participate in the XVI Summit of the group of emerging economies, where this Thursday he advocated for a “new inclusive economy of independent countries that aspire to social happiness and dignity.”
Kazan / EFE
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**Interview with Dr. Elena Ramirez, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ramirez. There have been recent discussions about Nicolás Maduro’s ambitions to join BRICS, but it seems there are some roadblocks, particularly from Brazil. Can you explain what’s happening?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the situation is quite complex. Maduro’s interest in joining BRICS stems from a desire for stronger economic ties and support amidst ongoing challenges at home. However, Brazil’s internal politics and its current administration’s stance on issues like human rights and democratic governance play a crucial role in this equation.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned Brazil’s stance on governance. How do you think this is affecting Maduro’s aspirations to join the bloc?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Brazil, under its current leadership, is aligning itself with a more democratic and human rights-oriented foreign policy. This makes it hesitant to support the inclusion of Maduro, whose government has faced significant criticism for its authoritarian practices. The Brazilian government likely sees backing Maduro as contradictory to its values and could face backlash domestically.
**Interviewer:** Interesting. Additionally, we saw that Maduro met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss bilateral agreements on sectors like oil and mining during the BRICS summit. What does this signify for Venezuela’s foreign relations?
**Dr. Ramirez:** This meeting underscores Venezuela’s strategy of forging alliances with countries that share its anti-Western sentiments, such as Iran. By solidifying relationships in the oil and mining sectors, Venezuela is attempting to bolster its economy through alternative partnerships, circumventing the pressures from Western sanctions. It reflects a broader trend of non-aligned countries collaborating to support each other’s interests.
**Interviewer:** Given these developments, what does the future look like for Venezuela’s ambitions in BRICS and its overall diplomatic strategy?
**Dr. Ramirez:** The future remains uncertain. Maduro may need to recalibrate his approach if he still wants to pursue BRICS membership, possibly by addressing issues that concern member countries. However, strategically partnering with other nations outside of BRICS could strengthen Venezuela’s position, allowing it to leverage relationships that can sustain its economy in the meantime.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Ramirez, for your insights into this evolving situation.
**Dr. Ramirez:** My pleasure!
E recent summit in Kazan where Maduro met with Iranian leaders. What do you think is the significance of these discussions for Venezuela’s international relations?
**Dr. Ramirez:** The meeting between Maduro and the Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, signals a deepening of bilateral ties between the two countries. By collaborating on oil, mining, and health, they are looking to bolster their economies, which have faced sanctions and hardships. This partnership also serves as a political statement against Western hegemony, showcasing their intent to form alliances that counterbalance traditional power structures. Both countries see themselves as key players in a multipolar world, and this can significantly shift geopolitical dynamics.
**Interviewer:** Maduro emphasized the creation of a “new international financing system.” What might that entail, and how could it impact countries like Venezuela?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Maduro’s call for a new international financing system highlights the need for alternatives to traditional financial institutions like the IMF or World Bank, which are often perceived as tools of Western hegemony. A new system could focus on mutual aid, trade, and investment among developing nations, potentially allowing countries like Venezuela greater economic sovereignty. If successful, this could empower these nations, reduce their dependence on Western financial systems, and foster a new era of economic cooperation.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned a multipolar world. How do you see Venezuela’s role evolving in this context?
**Dr. Ramirez:** Venezuela could position itself as a pivotal player in this emerging multipolar landscape, particularly in energy markets due to its vast oil reserves. By strengthening ties with nations like Iran and engaging with blocs such as BRICS, Venezuela is attempting to reshape its global alliances. However, this will depend on the stability of Maduro’s administration and its ability to attract investment and support from other nations while navigating the complexities of international relations.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Ramirez, for your insights on these important developments. It’s clear that Venezuela’s international strategy is evolving and will continue to be closely watched.
**Dr. Ramirez:** Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure to discuss this critical subject.
