Morales seeks stronger ties with Iran

Tehran: Bolivia's leftist president arrived in Iran on Monday for talks with leaders including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The talks are expected to focus on energy and on diplomatic relations. State-run TV showed the two presidents, Evo Morales and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, reviewing a guard of honour at the sprawling presidential palace.

Bolivia, which has large natural gas reserves, wants help from Iran to further develop its energy sector.

During a visit to Bolivia last year, Ahmadinejad promised the country US $1 billion (Dh3.7 billion) in investment, aimed mostly at developing its oil and gas industry.

Bolivia, which has strong ties with the leftist government of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, is one of several South American states to improve ties with Tehran, causing some concern in Washington.

Morales was met at the airport by Iranian Industries Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian, before an official welcoming ceremony by Ahmadinejad.