Russia and Iran agree to bolster energy cooperation
MOSCOW. May 15 (Interfax) - Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak and Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Mehdi Sanai have agreed to further promote cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector, the FARS news agency reported.
At their meeting in Moscow, Novak and Sanai reaffirmed the importance of Russian-Iranian economic cooperation, especially bilateral ties in the energy sector.
Sanai also said that this year offers a good opportunity to further broaden cooperation between Iran and Russia.
Novak, for his part, announced that the Russian Energy Ministry was drafting a memorandum of mutual understanding between the two countries. The document should be ready in time for the 11th joint session addressing Russian-Iranian business cooperation, due to be held in Tehran.
Sanai also reiterated Iran's readiness to cooperate with Russia to build new power plants in Iran and reconstruct its existing facilities.
Among other topics, the sides discussed details of a ministerial meeting to be held on the sidelines the May 15-16 International Energy Forum in Moscow.
Iran seeks to simplify its trade and business operations with other countries, including Russia.
Bilateral trade between Russia and Iran stands at $5 billion annually.