Bolivia, Iran deepen bilateral ties

Bolivian President Evo Morales and his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday signed a series of agreements to enhance bilateral ties and deepen cooperation, Xinhua reported.
   "I am sure the people of Iran agree to continue to work with us, and that is why we have a lot of time to continue working together for our people," Morales explained.
   The agreements included creating blood dialysis and lithium extraction centers.
   The blood dialysis centers will be built in the cities of El Alto and Cochabamba and cost an estimated 1 million U.S. dollars.
   Iran will also collaborate with Bolivia in the research and development of lithium extraction via evaporation at the Uyuni Salt Flats in southern Bolivia.
   Morales thanked Iran for supporting Bolivia's various projects, including the construction of milk plants and a hospital.
   Ahmadinejad said he was keen to continue cooperation with Bolivia and praised the nation's progress.
   "Morales' leadership stands out; so does his deep desire to help his people reach better conditions with dignity," he said.
   Ahmadinejad arrived from Brazil earlier on Tuesday and later headed to Venezuela for a meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez.