Bolivia-Iran Alliance: Energy Minister in Tehran
Iran and Bolivia Deepen Energy Cooperation Amid Growing Strategic Alliance
TEHRAN, iran — Iran and Bolivia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in key strategic sectors, including oil, gas, refining, and petrochemicals. The declaration followed a meeting in tehran between Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and Bolivian Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons Alejandro Gallardo Baldiviezo.
Paknejad emphasized Iran’s readiness to share its expertise in exploration with Bolivia,stating that Iranian companies could contribute considerably to ongoing projects in the South American nation. He also expressed interest in Bolivia’s advancements in clean energy technologies, notably in solar energy generation.
“Iran can share its successful experiences in ongoing exploration projects in Bolivia and foster effective collaboration in this field,” Paknejad said. He added that Iran is eager to learn from Bolivia’s experience and technical knowledge in renewable energy.
Gallardo Baldiviezo conveyed his solidarity with the Iranian people following the recent explosion at the port of Shahid Rajaee. He also highlighted the upcoming iran Expo 2025 as a valuable possibility to expand cooperation between the two countries,especially in the oil,gas,refining,and petrochemical sectors.
Bolivia is particularly interested in leveraging Iranian expertise in the refining industry. “Bolivia is interested in using the experience of iranian companies based on knowledge in the design, construction, and operation of oil refineries,” Gallardo stated.
Both ministers agreed on the potential for collaboration in renewable energy, with Gallardo proposing the formation of joint technical delegations to facilitate cooperation in this area.
The energy dialog between Iran and Bolivia is not new, but it has gained renewed momentum amid a global realignment of strategic alliances. Both nations are seeking to combine technical expertise, industrial development, and innovation in key areas to drive economic growth.The meeting between Paknejad and Gallardo Baldiviezo underscores the technical dimension of the bilateral relationship and signals a growing political alignment. The establishment of joint technical delegations is expected to translate commitments into tangible projects.
Last year’s signing of a memorandum of understanding between Bolivia and Iran has raised concerns among security and defense experts, given the potential scope of the agreement in regional geopolitics.
John Griffiths, a security expert and former Chilean Army Staff leader, noted that the treaty represents a significant step in the growing relationship between Bolivia and Iran, raising alarms due to its implications for military technology and intelligence capabilities.
Since 2007, Bolivia and Iran have strengthened ties, culminating in agreements that appear to extend beyond initially stated goals of border control and combating drug trafficking. “The possibility that Bolivia acquires drones, advanced intelligence systems, cybersecurity, and rocketry raises a scenario that we cannot ignore,” Griffiths said.
He also cautioned about the lack of transparency surrounding the agreement, stating that ”not knowing the details can be a significant risk for national security.”
Iran, known for its strained relationship with the United States and its alliance with Venezuela, appears to be seeking a new strategic partner in South America through its deepening ties with Bolivia.
The relationship between Bolivia’s ruling party, the Movement for socialism (MAS), and the Iranian regime dates back to the frist term of evo Morales in 2006. This friendship has been marked by high-level visits, such as that of former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2012, and the establishment of an Iranian television channel in Bolivia, which disseminates Islamic content.