Iran Welcomes Development Of Ties with Russia : Oil Min.

Moscow, Sept 22, IRNA – The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the development of relations with Russia, Oil Minister Rostam Ghasemi said here on Friday. Ghasemi made the remarks in an interview with the Voice of Russia Radio (VOR). “Tehran is keen to expand relations with Moscow in all fields and in particular the field of energy; Iran is ready to facilitate Russian companies’ investment on its oil fields.” The high-ranking official noted that investment on Iran’s oil industry can help the security of world energy. “Tehran is of course, self-reliant but is ready for cooperation with other countries to develop its oil industry.” Ghasemi concluded that Tehran welcomes sustainable oil prices because instability in oil market is harmful to developing economies like Iran. Russia has publicly supported Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology and has helped supply the materials and expertise to build the Bushehr nuclear plant. Russia has also warned the United States against taking any military action against Iran or its nuclear facilities. Russia and Iran also share a common interest in limiting the political influence of the United States in Central Asia. This common interest has led the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to extend to Iran observer status in 2005, and offer full membership in 2006. Iran's relations with the organization, which is dominated by Russia and China, represents the most extensive diplomatic ties Iran has shared since the 1979 revolution. Iran and Russia have co-founded the Gas Exporting Countries Forum along with Qatar. In addition to their trade and cooperation in hydrocarbons, Iran and Russia have also expanded trade ties in many non-energy sectors of the economy, including a large agriculture agreement in January 2009 and a telecommunications contract in December 2008. In July 2010, Iran and Russia signed an agreement to increase their cooperation in developing their energy sectors. Features of the agreement include the establishment of a joint oil exchange, which with a combined production of up to 15 million barrels of oil per day has the potential to become a leading market globally. Gazprom and Lukoil have become increasingly involved in the development of Iranian oil and gas projects./end