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Iran and Venezuela heads in talks Iran and Venezuela heads in talks
(about 9 hours later)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is in Venezuela for talks with President Hugo Chavez. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been in Venezuela for talks with President Hugo Chavez.
The two leaders - both critics of the United States - will discuss expansion of joint projects and agreements. The two leaders - both critics of the United States - discussed expansion of joint projects and agreements.
The allies are becoming increasingly close as they seek to reduce the influence of the US.The allies are becoming increasingly close as they seek to reduce the influence of the US.
Mr Ahmadinejad's visit follows a stop in Bolivia where he pledged $1bn (£495m) of investment. Mr Ahmadinejad's visit follows a stop in Bolivia where he pledged $1bn (£495m) of investment to help the country exploit oil and gas reserves.
The Iranian president flew into Venezuela to a warm welcome from Mr Chavez.The Iranian president flew into Venezuela to a warm welcome from Mr Chavez.
The leaders embraced on a red carpet in front of the presidential palace.The leaders embraced on a red carpet in front of the presidential palace.
'Fighter for peace''Fighter for peace'
Mr Chavez described his ally as "one of the greatest fighters for true peace" - a view that is not widely shared, especially in Washington.Mr Chavez described his ally as "one of the greatest fighters for true peace" - a view that is not widely shared, especially in Washington.
The Iranian and Venezuelan leaders see themselves as brothers, with similar political aims.The Iranian and Venezuelan leaders see themselves as brothers, with similar political aims.
Both are keen to reduce the influence of the US, so they are joining forces to create more state enterprise.Both are keen to reduce the influence of the US, so they are joining forces to create more state enterprise.
They are working together on a number of projects from gas and oil exploration to the manufacture of cars and tractors.They are working together on a number of projects from gas and oil exploration to the manufacture of cars and tractors.
Similar agreements are in place in Bolivia, with further Iranian investment promised.Similar agreements are in place in Bolivia, with further Iranian investment promised.
Critics and opponents are increasingly dismayed by their leaders' choice of friends.Critics and opponents are increasingly dismayed by their leaders' choice of friends.
But Mr Ahmadinejad said the alliance would allow their people to emerge victorious.But Mr Ahmadinejad said the alliance would allow their people to emerge victorious.