TEHRAN, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and Venezuelan Transport Minister Ramon Velasquez have emphasized the need to expand bilateral cooperation to counteract the United States and its interferences, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday.
During a phone call, the two ministers, co-chairs of the joint economic cooperation commission, also called for the expansion of bilateral economic relations.
Nasirzadeh said that the Venezuelan people's "decisive support" for their government and the presence of the country's armed forces had been "effective and determining" in thwarting Western plots, especially after Venezuela's presidential election in late July.
He highlighted Iran's experience in countering U.S. interference and noted that, as in the past, the country was willing to share such experience with Venezuela.
The Venezuelan minister stressed the need for preparedness to counter their "common enemy."
The two countries, both heavily affected by U.S. sanctions, have established close economic and energy ties in recent years to offset the impacts of the embargoes. ■