July 20, 2001

Mexico and Iran
Review Energy Cooperation

(Text of report in English by Iranian news agency IRNA)

New York, 20 July: Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Euro-American Affairs Ali Ahani and Mexican Energy Minister Ernesto Martens on Thursday [19 July] reviewed the two countries' cooperation in the field of energy.

The two officials also called for a start in constructive cooperation between Tehran and Mexico City in oil affairs.

Martens welcomed oil cooperation between Iran and Mexico, saying consultations between the two countries could help to the stability of international oil markets.

Ahani, who is currently in Mexico City to take part in a joint Iran-Mexico energy summit, called for the establishment of a joint technical group to study ways of better bilateral cooperation which was welcomed by the Mexican minister.

Ahani said that the two countries' cooperation in the fields of research, investigation and technical training in the oil sector would deepen Tehran-Mexico City ties.

Earlier, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding for economic, trade, scientific, technical, educational and cultural cooperation.

They said the MoU will breathe a new life to the two countries' bilateral cooperation. It has called for the promotion of trade ties, diversity of trade items, exchange of information between their chambers of commerce and cooperation between the two countries for better access to world markets.

The letter of intent also asks for possible joint investments, exchange of information, experiences and experts in oil, gas and petrochemical sectors.

Source: IRNA news agency, Tehran, in English 0623 gmt 20 Jul 01

Asia Intelligence Wire