( IRNA ) - Iran's Oil Minister underlined that Iran welcomes international cooperation to develop oil industry.
On the sidelines of the 11th International Energy Forum here Monday afternoon, Gholam-Hossein Nozari, answering reporters whether Iran has announced a deadline for Total and Shell companies said, "After many years of cooperation and studies we try to reach an agreement with these companies, but if they cannot continue their cooperation by any reason, there are many other companies which are ready to cooperate with Iran, especially in the field of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG).
Answering a question about date of final agreement with India and Pakistan concerning "Peace Pipeline", the oil minister said, "Considering the importance of the issue and since it is a huge project, it needs adequate time and its progress now is satisfactory." At the 11th International Energy Forum in Rome which started its work on Monday morning, Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi delivered the inauguration speech before the representatives of 74 countries, 14 international organizations and 30 oil companies.
Iran's Oil Minister is to deliver his speech on Tuesday afternoon on the second and last day of the forum.