Azernews.Az

An Iranian delegation visiting Turkey has discussed a possibility of constructing an oil pipeline to Europe through Turkey's territory, Iran's IRNA news agency reported.

Iran's Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi told journalists in Turkey that the two countries are discussing options for transporting Iranian gas to European markets through Turkey.

Iran's Industry, Mine and Trade Minister Mehdi Ghazanfari said that signing a franchise trade agreement between Iran and Turkey is an important step in developing trade relations between the two countries.

Elsewhere, officials of the two countries are discussing a possibility of establishing a joint trade zone on the border of Iran and Turkey.

On the agenda of talks were also such issues as opening joint ventures, financed by investments from Iran, Turkey and also other countries.

Oil Ministry spokesman Ali Reza Nikzad-Rahbar expressed hope that Iran's relations with Turkey will help to boost the transport and communication and railroads sectors.

The Iranian delegation is led by the country's First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Rahimi, who has been invited by the Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Previously, Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz spoke of signing new energy agreements between Ankara and Tehran.

Iran and Turkey are determined to boost their trade turnover to $30 billion in the near future. Turkey imports around 8 million tons of oil and 8 billion cubic meters of gas per year from Iran.