Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced Sunday he expects to welcome a visit this year by his Iranian counterpart and key ally President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

During his weekly radio and television show Alo Presidente, Chavez was joined by Iranian ambassador to Venezuela, Amad Sobani, who he said was preparing for the official trip before the end of 2009.

During the program Chavez, also appearing alongside Housing Minister Diosdado Cabello, said the first 240 homes of a 2,400-dwelling development were ready, built with cooperation from Tehran.

As part of an agreement with the Islamic republic, Chavez said over 10,000 homes were being built throughout central Venezuela.

"Iran is attacked like us by the empire," Chavez said, referring to the United States, in a segment describing his relationship with Tehran. "We are accused of exporting terrorism, but they are the killers.

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