Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Nov. 28 /Trend H. Hasanov /
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow and Iranian Oil Minister Rostam Ghasemi have discussed issues of cooperation in the oil and gas industry, the Turkmen government said on Wednesday.
"The Turkmen side steadily follows its partnership obligations by supplying gas to Iran on a stable, long term basis," the source quoted Turkmen leader as saying.
In this regard, the particular importance of major joint projects implemented over the past few years was emphasised, including the construction of a second pipeline towards Iran, namely the Dovletabad-Serahs-Khangeran, the opening ceremony of which was attended by the presidents of the two neighbouring countries in January 2010.
The information says that after expressing gratitude for the strict observance of contract conditions, Ghasemi underlined Iran's absolute interest in expanding business ties with Turkmenistan, demonstrating the responsible approach to building an effective model of bilateral and regional cooperation.
"The successful implementation of this project is a logical extension of Turkmenistan's consistent policy on diversification of its gas pipeline infrastructure and contributed to the activation of Turkmen-Iranian trade and economic relations and the strengthening of respect and mutual understanding atmosphere in the Central Asian region," Berdimuhamedow said at the meeting.
At the same time, in an interview with local the Altyn Asyr channel, following the meeting with the Turkmen president, the Iranian minister noted that the possibility of increasing Turkmen gas supply to Iran was considered. He said the meeting was 'very effective'.
On Wednesday local media noted that Ghasemi conveyed the "message and sincere greetings of the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who wished the Turkmen leader new, spectacular success in all his endeavours initiated in the name of prosperity, happiness and welfare of its people."
According to the information, the parties said that 'having huge resources and economic potential backed by an important geographical factor, the two neighbouring countries will continue to strengthen traditional cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit."
The Vatan newspaper reported that Iran's oil minister expressed the deep interest and willingness of the neighbouring country to deepen productive business relations promoting sustainable economic development in the region.
Iranian media recently quoted Deputy Oil Minister and Director General of the Iranian National Gas Company (INGK) Javad Oji as saying that Tehran would like to increase the daily volume of imports of Turkmen gas.