Iran-Austria 30-bn-dlr agreement, 1st step to export gas to Europe

Tehran, April 22, IRNA
Iran-Oil-Austria
Oil Minister Kazem Vaziri-Hamaneh said here Sunday that Iran-Austria 30-billion-dollar agreement was the major step towards export of Iranian gas to Europe.

The statement was made at a press conference on the sidelines of the 12th international oil, gas and petrochemical exhibition.

"Given the world's limited energy reserves and the decisive role of gas in the energy basket of consumer countries, Europe held talks with Iran about purchase of gas.

"The 30-billion-dollar document, which was signed on Saturday afternoon, is an agreement on sale of LNG and participation in a joint project," he added.

Based on the inked agreement, the Austrian company (OMV) will participate in the 12th phase of South Pars development project and will purchase part of its products.

The minister said that transfer of Turkey's gas to Europe is one of the major issues that will soon be solved.

"The 5-6 percent rise in the number of participants in the conference compared to last year shows the interest of foreign enterprises in joint oil projects," said Vaziri-Hamaneh.

The 12th international oil, gas and petrochemical exhibition opened at Tehran's International Fairground on Wednesday and ended Sunday.

The event was attended by 797 domestic and 510 foreign companies from 35 countries.

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