Ankara and Tehran were unable to reach an agreement on natural gas Friday as Iranian President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ended his visit to Turkey, reported dpa.
A row about how revenues would be divided up and investment terms are believed
to be the sticking points, but the reports said the talks would continue.
"Turkey is the most important country for the delivery of gas to Europe," Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying Friday. He said he hoped an agreement would
be reached soon.
Tehran and Ankara signed a memorandum of understanding last year about the
delivery of Iranian gas to Europe through Turkey.
Owing to its row with Iran over its nuclear programme, the United States is against the deal and has threatened sanctions.
Ahmadinejad signed agreements on expanding trade during his controversial visit
to Turkey.
The two sides also agreed to cooperate more closely on protecting their shared
borders, the fight against terrorism and drugs and on improving infrastructure.
Trade between the two countries is expected to double to 20 billion dollars in
the next four years.
The year 2009 has been designated the year of Iranian-Turkish culture in both
countries.
It was Ahmadinejad's first trip to NATO member Turkey. He was expected to fly
back to Iran Friday evening.
The international community suspects Tehran of secretly developing nuclear
weapons under the cover of developing atomic energy for civilian purposes, an
accusation Iran has vehemently denied.
The United Nations Security Council has imposed sanctions on Iran as the leadership in Tehran has refused to give in to UN demands to stop enriching uranium.
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