CARACAS, Venezuela -- Iran's president is praising his Venezuelan counterpart for his almost incessant criticism of the U.S.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Venezuela's Hugo Chavez is a “champion'' and “leader of the struggle against imperialism.'' And Iran's leader is promising to deepen an alliance with a man he calls his “brother.''

In a speech in which he called the U.S. “imperialists,'' Chavez insisted that Iran is not making a nuclear bomb.

The two leaders met on the eve of travel to New York for this week's UN General Assembly.

Ahmadeinejad said the two must stand “united'' to achieve “justice and peace.'' The two nations have entered into a series of accords, including agreements for Tehran to help Venezuela develop its oil fields.