Iran and Tajikistan agreed to explore a framework for exporting Iran’s surplus petroleum products and supplying crude oil needed by Tajikistan’s refineries, Iran’s oil minister said Saturday.
Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said a joint expert group will examine the details of the cooperation and draft a framework for a long-term agreement covering fuel supplies and crude oil.
Paknejad made the remarks after meeting with Tajik Energy and Water Resources Minister Daler Juma and Transport Minister Azim Ibrohim in Tehran.
“The talks provided a good opportunity to discuss the potential for cooperation with Tajikistan,” Paknejad said, adding that much of the discussion focused on exporting Iran’s surplus petroleum products to help address Tajikistan’s current fuel needs.
He said several mechanisms have been proposed for the cooperation and that the two sides agreed to establish a working group to conduct technical reviews and address outstanding issues.
“Our goal is to develop a framework for a long-term contract with Tajikistan for fuel supplies and the crude oil needed by its refineries,” Paknejad said.
The minister described the talks as part of expanding cooperation between the two countries, noting that Saturday’s meeting was his third meeting in Tehran with Tajikistan’s energy and water resources minister over the past two years.
He said the issues have been seriously pursued by both sides and that conditions have been created for implementing the agreements, with a significant portion of the cooperation already underway.
The potential volume of trade will depend on logistics and available capacity, Paknejad said.
Paknejad also thanked Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and his delegation for attending the farewell and funeral ceremony for Martyred Leader of Iran.