A new chapter in Iran’s longstanding ties with LatAm nations
By Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
Iran’s foreign minister
The incumbent Iranian government has espoused a foreign policy doctrine that prioritizes balanced and intelligent interactions with other nations, characterized by dynamic diplomacy. This doctrine emphasizes the importance of comprehensive development of relations, as well as diversification of long-term cooperation with countries across the globe, including those in Latin America.
In line with this strategy, President Raeisi has planned a visit to three nations – Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua – from June 12 to June 15. This represents a big step forward in expanding cooperation with Latin American countries, which have had longstanding cordial ties with Iran for around 120 years.
Given such a history of relations with the region, Iran was among the first countries to recognize the independence of Latin American states following their anti-colonial struggles in the past century.
Iranians have long been fascinated by the cultural, artistic, and political offerings of Latin America. Their interest is fueled in large part by the political developments that emerged during the Cold War era.
Many Iranians are enamored with the literary works of brilliant authors from Latin America, including the renowned Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho, the celebrated Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the esteemed contemporary Peruvian novelist Mario Vargas Llosa, and revered poets like Octavio Paz, a Mexican writer, poet and diplomat, and Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.
In addition to literature, Iranian audiences have been captivated by cinematic works from Latin American directors that delve into the social and political issues unique to the region. Through film festivals and screenings, Iranians have gained insight into the living environments, cultures, customs, as well as the economic and political challenges faced by these countries.
The leadership displayed by the nations of Latin America in their fight against colonialism has had a far-reaching impact on resistance literature and world politics as a whole. Legends of freedom-seeking such as Simon Bolivar, along with his companions Antonio Jose de Sucre (of Bolivia), Jose de San Martin (of Argentina), and Bernardo O’Higgins (of Chile), were pivotal figures in the struggle to end colonial rule in this region.
Despite Bolivar’s dream of establishing a United States of South America falling short, imperialist plots from the North caused division and ultimately led to the creation of 12 independent countries in South America. However, the freedom-seeking spirit embodied by Bolivarianism continued to inspire social and political movements across the region in their ongoing fight against Western domination and neoliberal policies – a struggle which persisted throughout the Cold War and beyond.
Great freedom-seekers such as Salvador Allende in Chile, Fidel Castro and Ernesto Che Guevara in Cuba, and Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua, along with countless others whose names may have been lost to history, fought and laid down their lives for freedom and justice.
Following the end of the Cold War, there was a renewed sense of optimism that Latin America would finally escape the clutches of neo-colonialism. However, it soon became apparent that multinational corporations and economic imperialism continued to exploit the region’s resources and wealth.
The emergence of a new generation of Bolivarian fighters, led by the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and accompanied by Evo Morales of Bolivia, Rafael Correa of Ecuador, and Brazil’s great leader Lula da Silva, was a sign of the awareness of people who demanded Latin America’s powerful, effective, and influential presence on the regional and global stages.
Despite facing intense opposition from Western powers who seek to undermine its anti-imperialist posture, the leftist movement of the 21st century continues to expand and deepen throughout the region. Even as Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua suffer under illegal and unilateral US sanctions, other nations in the region are also subject to punitive measures for their independent behavior. Nonetheless, the fact remains that resistance is gaining momentum across this part of the world.
For the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran, historical ties, deep cultural and civilizational bonds, shared lofty ideals, and mutual economic and commercial interests serve as the primary motivations for strengthening and expanding relations with countries in the Latin American region.
Huge economic potential across various sectors, including agriculture, energy, industry, mining, new technologies, technical and engineering services, medicine, etc. are among the key parts of the development of relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Latin American countries. Under the government of President Raeisi, there has been a manifold increase in Iran’s trade with these countries.
Economic experts believe that given the enormous economic potential of the region, there is ample room for further expansion of trade between Iran and its Latin American partners. With an economic logic and focus on mutual interests, long-term goals can be set.
Unilateral US sanctions against a number of countries, including Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, have served to bring these nations closer together. The Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter, whose most recent meeting took place in Tehran last year, has paved the way for greater cooperation aimed at mitigating the harmful effects of these sanctions. In recent years, collaboration between Iran and Venezuela has resulted in a more mutually beneficial equation, with the parties paying close attention to their shared interests across various levels.
Meanwhile, relations between Iran and Cuba, which initially centered on joint cooperation in health and biotechnology sectors, are poised to expand into a broader scope. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and major powers’ monopolization of vaccine production, the joint efforts of these two countries in developing a coronavirus vaccine have opened a new window for collaboration and service to humanity. Both nations offered this accomplishment as a gift to humanity at large.
Iran and Nicaragua, two nations linked by their cognate revolutions in 1979, are embarking on a promising journey of collaboration. Cooperation in various sectors including energy, export of goods and technical and engineering services is on the agenda to further develop economic and trade ties.
The emergence of notable shifts in the global order and the growing influence of peripheral powers in shaping a new international system necessitate collaborative efforts, particularly among regional powers. The elevation of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s position in West Asia as a consequential regional power has bolstered its prominence in both regional and global political arenas. Simultaneously, the substantial advancement of several significant countries in the Latin American region, along with the rise of others striving to enhance their regional and global standing, establishes a favorable foundation for strengthening multilateral cooperation between Iran and Latin America.
Symbols of emerging economic countries’ determination to foster change and establish order in the evolving world, such as BRICS or other economic alliances, play a crucial role. The inclusion of Brazil and the expressed interest of other Latin American nations in joining this group, along with Iran’s aspiration to be a part of it, could serve as a starting point for such cooperative endeavors.
The upcoming visit of President Raeisi of Iran to Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua is a significant development aimed at solidifying and fortifying mutually advantageous cooperation for the collective interests of the governments and peoples of Iran and the Latin American region. This trip opens a new chapter in the longstanding relations between Iran and Latin America, reinforcing mutually beneficial collaboration across various sectors, including energy, science, technology, health, medicine, agriculture, and the export of goods and technical engineering services.