The flags of Iran and Venezuela are seen when Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrives at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, Iran June 10, 2022. (Reuters)

The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry said, on Wednesday, that an Iranian delegation headed by Petroleum Minister Javad Owji has arrived in Caracas to hold negotiations with the Venezuelan government and executives of state-owned oil and natural gas company PDVSA.

It is worth noting that PDVSA has struggled with US sanctions, but its cooperation with Iran has allowed it to replenish its fleet.

In a statement, the ministry said, "The delegation will be in Caracas until April 14, maintaining an intense work schedule, which includes meetings and visits to PDVSA facilities, as well as meetings with government authorities."

The current visit aims to improve ties between the two nations in the energy industry, the statement added.

The Iranian delegation was welcomed at the Simon Bolivar International Airport in La Guaira by Tatiana Pugh Moreno, Vice Minister for Asia, the Middle East and Oceania, Leonardo Federico Graterol, Vice Minister of Gas of the Petroleum Ministry, and Ronny Romero, PDVSA's Vice President for International Affairs.

Relations between the two countries have recently grown within the framework of the two countries' 20-year development roadmap.

Meanwhile, Iran has consistently sent fuel tankers to Venezuela in the past few years, defying US sanctions, and helped in refinery repairs. PDVSA relies on Iranian South Pars condensate to convert its heavy oil to exportable grades. Iranian crude oil is also refined into motor fuel in South America.

Historically, the two countries have had friendly and strong relations, especially during the era of the late socialist leader Hugo Chavez (1999-2013), which were further strengthened during the era of his successor, Nicolas Maduro.