Russia strenghtening position in Iran

By Vestnik Kavkaza

Iran proposed the participation of Russian companies in exploring oil and gas deposits. The minister of energy of Russia Alexander Novak said this after the session of the bilateral intergovernmental committee on trade and economic cooperation.

According to him, appeared obstacles make them finds new decisions, new directions of cooperation, including the level of intergovernmental committee. Because of sanctions against Tehran Russian-Iranian turnover reduced in 2012. Today seven working groups have been established in the sphere of energy, transport, agriculture, space, customs issues.

“Energy issues are one of key spheres in development of our turnover and economic cooperation,” Novak. “Regarding the oil and gas segment, it requires joint participation in exploration of oil and gas deposits. The Iranian side sent proposals on some deposits to Russian companies. We have discussed an opportunity of making changes in the IRI legislation which would enable Russian companies to participate in the development of deposits, including share interest. The other important direction is export of Russian equipment for exploration of deposits. Russian companies are ready to export pumping gears and oil-and-gas equipment to the IRI…

We consider our opportunities on extension of cooperation in the sphere of using peaceful nuclear energy. The project on construction the first power generation unit in the Busher nuclear power station was implemented successfully. We have discussed prospects of building other units and expressed mutual interest in realization of the project.”

According to the foreign minister of Iran, Ali Akbar Salekhi, “the session of the intergovernmental committee on trade and economic cooperation was a crucial moment in relations between two countries. We are sure that powerful Russia and independent Iran can complement each other either in the international arena or in bilateral relations. All our efforts are directed at provision of development of trade and economic relations between our countries for private sectors of Russia and Iran could develop their cooperation… At the moment Iran produces about 4 million barrel of oil per day; as for production of gas – about 60 million cubic meters per day. We plan to increase volumes of oil and gas production in the future. We plan to reach 5 million barrels of oil per day and increase gas production. Therefore, we need cooperation and experience of such countries as Russia. We hope Russian companies will take part in major projects in the oil and gas sphere of Iran. Especially we are interested in development of joint deposits with neighboring countries.”