Amir Hossein Zamaninia described major plans for development of Iran’s energy diplomacy in South America and said, “in time with the third summit of Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Tehran, chiefs and heads of some South American countries will travel to Iran including Bolivia, Venezuela, Peru and Trinidad and Tobago.”
Deputy oil minister for international affairs declared that President Rouhani’s official invitation has been delivered to heads of GECF member states in South America and the Caribbean during the past few months; “certainly, the GECF summit will lead to improvement of oil and energy relations between Iran and South American countries.”
Stressing that one of the important benefits of holding international meetings is bilateral negotiations and coordination of bilateral meetings, the official stated, “currently, Iran is in a position to choose its partners.”
Zamaninia recalled that Iran will collaborate with countries capable of providing long-term assistance to the country’s private sector active in oil and gas industry particularly with regard to promotion of technology; “so far, some negotiations have been held with Brazil and South Africa with a focus on developing oil activities,” he asserted.
Deputy oil minister further denied the plans to re-open NIOC’s office in Bolivia’s Santa Cruz, South America.
HA/2965918