Iran welcomes foreign investment in oil, gas sector

Tehran, Oct 11, IRNA - Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on Saturday voiced Iran's readiness to cooperate with foreign firms willing to make investment in Iran's oil and gas projects.

Addressing opening session of the 2nd Iran Oil Refining Forum, he also
announced readiness of Iran's Foreign Ministry to cooperate with those
companies and states.

Referring to the current turmoil in the Caucasus region, he added that
Iran insists upon security of oil supplies.

He underlined the need for refraining from extremist politicizing
encouraged by the big powers.

"The bullying powers are trying to deprive world countries of numerous
blessings of participation in the oil and gas projects to maintain
their monopoly over energy industry."
He said that Iran is the safest and most economical route for piping
oil and gas.

"Iran can transfer the Caspian Sea oil to the Persian Gulf and free
international waters via the shortest and best possible route,"
Mottaki said.

He also announced readiness of Iran's oil refining industry to carry
out various oil projects in foreign countries.

The two-day Iran Oil Refining Forum will continue Sunday.