Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez received Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Wednesday in Caracas as a "friend and brother" with full military honours. The left-wing Chavez and arch-conservative Ahmadinejad, united in their animosity toward the United States' government, declared their desire to expand mutual economic ties.
Both countries are Opec members, and the two leaders signed 70 agreements to increase co-operation in areas including energy and agriculture. Chavez called Ahmadinejad a "gladiator of the anti-imperialist fight."
The visit is Ahmadinejad's fourth to Venezuela. Chavez voiced support for Iran's nuclear programme, which is strongly opposed by Washington. Venezuela's political opposition rallied against Ahmadinejad, calling him a "dictator."