Iranian FM, Nicaraguan president to meet in push to expand ties

Iran's foreign minister will meet with Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega, the South American country announced, as the two allies seek to expand bilateral relations.

The countries, which are both subject to US sanctions, signed a memorandum of understanding for greater cooperation.

Amir-Abdollahian said Ortega and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi have committed to taking steps to implement a bilateral agreement signed at the end of 2022.

In December, Amir-Abdollahian and Nicaragua Foreign Minister Denis Moncada inked an agreement in Tehran that included energy issues, although no details were shared.

The two countries additionally signed a memorandum of understanding "for cultural, scientific, health cooperation, cooperation also in the political field and cooperation in all spheres of common good," said Nicaraguan Vice President Rosario Murillo, who is also Ortega's wife.

Amir-Abdollahian told reporters that "we had important agreements between both countries." 

"The support of the parliaments of both countries is fundamental to implement the bilateral agreements," he added.

It was noted that commercial and economic cooperation is a "priority" for the two countries, and that political relations are at an "excellent" level, a statement by Iran's Foreign Ministry said.

Iran also maintains strong ties with Venezuela and Cuba, which are likewise subject to US-led international sanctions and have been widely criticised for their authoritarian regimes.