Iranian president's official visit to Turkmenistan under preparation
ASHGABAT. March 3 (Interfax) - The Turkmen Foreign Ministry and an Iranian delegation have discussed at negotiations preparations for Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's upcoming official visit to Turkmenistan, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said on its official website.
During negotiations, the parties exchanged views on the current state and prospects of relations between two countries and considered possibilities of expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation and intensification of interaction in the energy sector. The parties noted the need for an active implementation of previously achieved agreements in this context.
Participants in the meeting also discussed the possibilities of engaging Iranian companies and business communities in projects being implemented in Turkmenistan. The entry of Iran's new technological developments to the Turkmen markets and intensification of cooperation in this field were addressed among other things.
The Iranian Industry, Mines and Business Minister Mohammad Shariatmadari headed the Iranian delegation.
Since 2017, Turkmenistan and Iran have discussed issues related to Iran's accumulated Turkmen natural gas supplies arrears. In addition, in October, Ashgabat, Tehran and Yerevan negated organizing natural gas transit from Turkmenistan to Armenia via Iran.
In December, Iran said it was planning to apply to the International Court of Arbitration to settle the gas dispute.
At the same time, Ashgabat supported Tehran's suggestion to resolve this issue at the International Court of Arbitration.