Turkmen president discusses expanding cooperation in oil and gas sector with Iranian delegation

ASHGABAT. Dec 9 (Interfax) - Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov discussed expanding the dialogue in the oil and gas sector at a meeting with Iranian Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi and Iranian Central Bank Governor Mohammad-Reza Farzin in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's oil and gas publication Nebit-gaz said.

It was noted during the meeting that Ashgabat and Tehran have established partnerships in the political and diplomatic, energy, agricultural, transport and other spheres. Trade and economic cooperation is one of the priority areas of the two countries' bilateral relations. Iran has an important place in Turkmenistan's foreign trade turnover.

Berdimuhamedov said he was confident that regularly exchanging views on exploring new forms and methods of cooperation in this area and their practical implementation would be beneficial. There is potential for further expanding the dialogue in the oil and gas sector, he said.

Ashgabat supports diversifying energy supply routes to global markets. The country is currently working with its partners on implementing several major energy projects.

Aliabadi also met with Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said.

Turkmenistan and Iran possess rich natural resources and advantageous geographical locations, which creates favorable opportunities for cooperation in foreign trade, including as regards electricity, oil and gas and the transport and transit sectors. The two sides discussed the development of partnerships in the energy sector, the ministry said.

There is a need to develop cooperation in order to realize resource and economic potential in an optimal way, the sides said. The work of the joint intergovernmental commission tasked with intensifying Turkmen-Iranian cooperation is important, they said.