Evo Morales in Iran to Strengthen Ties

Tehran, Oct 26. -Bolivian President Evo Morales on Monday began an official three-day visit to Iran to promote and consolidate the strong relations, particularly in the economic and political fields.

Morales, who arrived early Sunday at Mehrabad airport in the capital, will sign various cooperation agreements in mining, agriculture, food production, cement and others.

Another item of discussion is mutual cooperation in the industrial machinery sector, according to official sources who said the Bolivian leader was received at the airport by Iranian Industry and Mining Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian and diplomats.

The IRNA News Agency said Morales plans to encourage Iranian investors to explore the Bolivian market, and will sign contracts with Tehran for technology transfer to Bolivia.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will meet with Morales to discuss bilateral, regional and international matters after the two tour economic projects in Tabriz.

Bolivia and Iran have solid bilateral relations that were braced by a 2007 visit to Bolivia by Ahmadinejad and the signing of five-year pact on industrial cooperation worth $1.1 billion.

This is Morales' second visit to Iran and follows last week's visit by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to promote friendship and cooperation in the energy field. (Prensa Latina)