Iran ready to transfer gas to Azerbaijan

Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Efshar Suleimani told the APA that it is not satisfactory and the real potential of the two countries are more than this number.

Saying that the productive cooperation on energy continues, the ambassador stressed that new projects will be realized in 2007.

"I can say beforehand that, 80% of the projects will be settled. Electricity line of 250km will be constructed from Iran to Azerbaijan beginning from next year. After completing project, Azerbaijan will receive 700MWt energy. At present this indicator is 200 MWt. The transformation of gas from Iran to Azerbaijan is on the focus and this case was discussed during first deputy of Premier Yagub Eyyubov's visit to Iran," the ambassador said.

The ambassador also mentioned that Iran's tractors producing plant wants to action in Azerbaijan.

"If the negotiations are successful, Iran will assemble tractors in Azerbaijan," he said.

Saying that the construction of Baku-Astara road will be completed soon, the ambassador stressed that the trade relations has strengthened in border territories and simply, the cooperation of private companies is not desirable.

"We want the trade turnover between the two countries to reach $1b and our companies to cooperate freely," he said.

Stressing that the 7th meeting of Iran-Azerbaijan joint Economic Commission will be held 2007, the ambassador noted that some issues will be clarified during the meeting.

The ambassador said that there is no problem in transition of Iran gas to Georgia via Azerbaijan.

"Iran is ready to support its neighbours. Simply, the technical and financial side of the issue should be defined. Iran is ready to transfer gas both to Georgia and Azerbaijan," he said.

The ambassador touched upon defense sector and said that Azerbaijan is familiar with Iran's opportunities.

"Azerbaijan knows what it will ask for Iran and Iran is ready to give Azerbaijan what they wish. There is no problem in this sphere," he said.