Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad began his visit to Venezuela in the midst of opposition and student protests that consider the foreign leader as a "violator of human rights." His previous stop was Bolivia, where he signed various accords with President Evo Morales and pledged mutual cooperation.

Ahmadinejad's visit to Venezuela -a strong ally- marks his final stop in his South American tour, which began in Brazil on Monday, where he met with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Iranian President already visited Gambia and will stop in Senegal on his return home. He hopes to strengthen economic ties with the five countries.

Another of Ahmadinejad's objectives is to improve relationships with governments opposed to the United States and thus halt their efforts to prevent Iran's nuclear ambition. Both Morales and Chávez feel strongly against US foreign policy.

The Iranian leader also wants to bolster his country's image, after the fierce repression of demonstrators who objected to the outcome of the presidential election in June, when Ahmadinejad was re-elected. Many, however, believe the election was rigged.