IRAN, TURKMENISTAN KEEN ON ENERGY TIES

Ashkhabad, June 8 (IRNA) - Iranian and Turkmen energy officials have called for expanded cooperation in the oil and gas sectors during an energy exhibit in Ashgabat. Iranian Deputy Oil Minister Seyyed Reza Kassaeizadeh, who is also managing Director of the National Iranian Gas Company, in a meeting with the Turkmen Deputy Oil and Gas Minister on Saturday, emphasized the great capabilities of the two nations to expand cooperation in their oil and natural gas activities. Kassaeizadeh said Iran is ready to serve as a transit route for the transfer of Turkmenistan's natural gas to other countries as well as engaging in a gas swap with the country. The policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to expand its ties with its neighboring countries, he noted, adding that expansion of Iran-Turkmenistan energy cooperation would be in keeping with this policy. Turkmenistan currently exports roughly 8 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Iran annually. Kassaeizadeh has been in Turkmenistan to participate in a two-day international exhibit and conference on energy in Ashgabat, where he addressed representatives of 60 countries on Friday. More than 70 companies from nearly 30 countries, including Iran, along with dozens of Turkmen and foreign specialists and experts, are taking part in the large energy exhibit.