For behind the scenes halfway around the world in Mexico were two decades of aggressive research on wheat that not only enabled Mexico to become self-sufficient with respect to wheat production but also paved the way to rapid increase in its production in other countries.

How have relations with Iran and Belarus benefited Venezuela? We are interested in countries that have democracies that respect human rights that we have an affinity with. What affinity do we have with Iran?

But the Western countries that link their partnership with the poorest countries with respect for democracy also have to consider that they have obligations towards these countries.

One thing that I feel very very strongly is that we talk about Islamic countries Islamic people Islamic leaders as either moderates or extremists. It's almost like there are only two categories of Muslims. And actually that doesn't show respect. It shows lack of understanding of the diversity of Muslim thought.

It is through accepting other people in our own countries that we shall come to respect our neighbours and be respected in our turn.

I didn't want to be a writer but I became one. And now I have many readers in many countries. I think that's a miracle. So I think I have to be humble regarding this ability. I'm proud of it and I enjoy it and it is strange to say it this way but I respect it.

For this reason the expansion of relations with all countries is on the agenda of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I mean balanced relationships based on mutual respect and observation of each other's rights.

It's fun being in Islamic countries to know there's only one religion. There's order. You wear a burqa. There's no choice. People are happy with that.

He didn't want to tell his son what to do but told me to write the president a letter. I didn't name a country but there are many countries we have a fragile relationship with.

It is not really our country so much is the problem it's sort of the parasitic relationship that Canada and France and other countries have towards us.