Growing ties between the two countries have raised concerns in the United States [AFP]

Talks began on Monday between the two leaders, marking Morales's first visit to Iran.

"The two revolutionary nations and the governments of Iran and Bolivia are natural allies and will boost their relations in the fields of commerce, industry, agriculture, gas, oil and politics," Ahmadinejad told Morales in the first day of his two-day trip to Tehran, Iran's capital.

"We are striding on a common path towards a brighter future and will remain by each other's side and supportive of one another under any circumstances," he said.

Aid pledge

While both countries are energy producers, Bolivia is one of several south American countries that have forged closer relations with Iran.

Iran's president had already promised $1.1bn in aid for impoverished Bolivia, which is trying to build up its gas industry.

Morales, who in 2006 became the first indigenous leader of Bolivia, said: "I support and praise Mr Ahmadinejad's stance against imperialism and defending the rights of the Iranian people.

"I also hail Iranian progress in industry and agriculture," he said.

Bolivia and Iran had established relations in September 2007 when Ahmadinejad made an official trip to Bolivia to sign trade and energy accords.

Their growing ties have raised concerns in the US.

The US has led international efforts to isolate Iran, which it accuses of seeking atomic weapons under the cover of a nuclear energy programme.

Tehran denies it has any intention of seeking to build a nuclear bomb, saying its nuclear programme is intended to produce electricity.

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