Iran calls for boosting energy ties with Iraq

29 July 2011 | 17:28 Code : 14954 Latest Headlines
TEHRAN - Iran's Majlis (parliament) Speaker Ali Larijani called for bolstering energy cooperation with Iraq and implementing oil agreements between the two neighboring countries, the local satellite Press TV reported on Wednesday.
The two countries enjoy more potential in various fields which should be used to strengthen bilateral ties in line with the interests of the two nations, Larijani said in a meeting with Iraqi Oil Minister Abdul Kareem Luaiby in Tehran on Tuesday.
Iran's scientific and technological progress, and economic and industrial capabilities can be served as "important assets" for Iraq's development, he was quoted as saying.
The Iranian speaker urged the speedy implementation of oil agreements recently signed by the two countries and stated that Iran and Iraq can launch joint ventures on the two country's shared oil reserves.
The Iraqi minister, for his part, said Tehran has the necessary capabilities to help Baghdad resolve its problems, said Press TV.
Luaiby praised the gas transit contract between Iran, Iraq and Syria signed on Monday and said that the strategic agreement will lead to an important development in energy deals among regional countries.
On Monday, Iran, Iraq and Syria signed a major gas deal to transfer the country's natural gas from South Pars gas field to Europe.
Dubbed as "Islamic Gas Pipeline" contract, the agreement was signed between Iran's caretaker oil minister Mohammad Aliabadi, Oil Minister of Iraq Abdul Kareem Luaiby and Syrian Oil Minister Sufian Alao at the Asalouyeh energy zone in Iran's southern Bushehr province.
The 5,600 km pipeline will pump Iran's South Pars oil and gas field through Iran, Iraq and Syria to Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea before reaching Europe.