Venezuela Protests 'Derogatory' Remarks by Iran's Ambassador

Venezuela has lodged a formal protest with Iran's ambassador in Caracas, Ali Chegini, over what it described as "derogatory and improper" expressions concerning the South American nation's institutions and authorities. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry summoned Chegini on Tuesday to deliver a note of protest.

In a statement released via its Telegram channel, the ministry demanded that Iran cease "all allusion or comparison that undermines the dignity, sovereignty, institutionalism, or good name of Venezuela." The specific statements that prompted the protest were not detailed, nor was the individual who made them identified.

The Venezuelan government reiterated its commitment to the principles of international relations, emphasizing mutual respect, sovereign equality, and non-interference in internal affairs. These principles, it stated, form the basis of relationships between all countries.

Relations between Tehran and Caracas have historically been strong, particularly since the era of the late Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez. This alliance has been largely cemented by their shared opposition to the United States. Iran provided significant support to Nicolás Maduro's government, notably supplying fuel during a shortage in 2020. Despite recent diplomatic shifts, including Venezuela's move to re-establish ties with the U.S., the historical context of the Iran-Venezuela relationship remains significant.

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The Venezuelan government reiterates its position regarding the basis of relations between all countries: mutual respect, sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and the other principles of international law.