Iran Strengthens Latin American Partnerships Through Engagement with Uruguay

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi congratulated Uruguay’s new Foreign Minister Mario Lobotkin, emphasizing a commitment to deepen relations with Latin America. The nations, with a historical partnership, seek to expand bilateral cooperation amidst Western sanctions. Iran views its engagement in Latin America as a strategic opportunity to enhance influence and foster collaborations, particularly with Venezuela and Cuba, while addressing logistical and diplomatic challenges.

TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has formally congratulated Mario Lobotkin, Uruguay’s newly appointed Foreign Minister. This gesture emphasizes Iran’s commitment to strengthening ties with Latin America, seeking to expand partnerships in a region largely influenced by the United States. Notably, both nations share a mutual opposition to Western sanctions and aim for economic diversification.

In his message, Araghchi remarked on the historical ties of over 120 years between Iran and Uruguay, expressing optimism for a “new chapter” in their cooperation. He affirmed the Islamic Republic’s dedication to leveraging opportunities for mutual benefit between both nations, indicating potential for enhancing diplomatic and economic relations.

The partnership between Iran and Uruguay officially commenced in 1983 with the establishment of reciprocal embassies, which has laid a foundation for subsequent trade growth. Uruguay is a significant supplier of agricultural products to Iran, notably rice, wool, and soybeans. These exchanges have been solidified through various ministerial visits and collaborations within the Group of 77 at the United Nations.

Iran’s cordial outreach to Uruguay reflects a broader strategy to mitigate the impact of U.S. sanctions by forming alliances in Latin America. Davoud Salehi, former Director General of Latin America at Iran’s Foreign Ministry, underscored the geopolitical significance of Latin America, stating that, despite U.S. efforts, resilient partnerships are fostered.

Venezuela stands as a pivotal ally for Iran, particularly in oil infrastructure projects, demonstrating a shared initiative to withstand sanctions. Salehi noted that Venezuela’s wealth of resources and shared resistance is essential for collaboration. Additionally, Iran considers Cuba a center for biotechnology and agricultural advancement, reflecting a potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Salehi asserted that Western sanctions have inadvertently prompted Iran to broaden its alliances beyond traditional boundaries, including new partnerships in Latin America, Africa, and Europe. While logistical difficulties may challenge Iranian endeavors in these distant markets, proactive diplomacy is necessary to secure economic and security interests.

Tehran maintains that its initiatives in Latin America focus on achieving win-win outcomes. For Uruguay, engagement with Iran signifies access to broader markets and diplomatic support, while for Iran, it represents a strategic opportunity to penetrate traditional U.S. spheres of influence. Despite obstacles such as U.S. pressures that seek to limit Iran’s relations with regional governments, Salehi remains hopeful that diplomatic creativity can surmount these challenges, further emphasizing the resonance of human rights and equitable development globally.

Iran is persisting in its strategy to strengthen ties with Latin America, particularly as it welcomes Uruguay’s new Foreign Minister. The cooperation between Iran and Uruguay, rooted in historical relations, presents opportunities for economic and diplomatic collaboration amid U.S. sanctions. The engagement reflects Iran’s broader geopolitical strategy to diversify partnerships and counterbalance Western influence in the region, particularly through collaborations with countries like Venezuela and Cuba.

Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com