Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez arrived in Tehran on Saturday heading a high-ranking political and economic delegation, starting his fifth visit to the Islamic Republic during his presidency, Iran's official IRNA news agency reported.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad later on Saturday officially welcomed Chavez at the Presidential Office.

IRNA reported that during the three-day official visit, Chavez will talk with Iranian top officials on bilateral, regional and international issues.

The bilateral trade between the two countries in 2005 reached one billion U.S. dollars.

The Venezuelan president will also meet with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday, according to the state television.

In addition, Chavez will inaugurate the new Venezuelan embassy in Tehran and meet with Iran's business leaders in his visit.

Iran and Venezuela have common interests as members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Earlier this month in Gambia, the two leaders have just met during an African Union summit.

Source: Xinhua