Ahmadinejad, receiving credentials of new Nicaraguan Ambassador to Tehran Jorge Castrio, said despite long geographical distance, ranian and Nicaraguan nations are close in heart.



He said Iran supports Nicaragua in international fora and remains by the side of its "friends".



On Iran-Nicaragua agreements, Ahmadinejad said all the points, especially the ones relating to energy industries on which Iranian officials and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega had reached agreement, would be absolutely implemented.



Castrio for his part voiced pleasure with his presence in Iran and said, "I am happy to shake hands with the president, who is one of the bravest ones on earth."

He also expressed happiness with Iran's recent nuclear victory following latest IAEA Chief Mohamed ElBaradei's report.



"Nicaragua considers access and utilization of all types energies, especially nuclear energy, as Iran's absolute right and will always support it in international fora," he added.



He called on Iran to support his country in the international fora.

Tehran, Feb 25, IRNA