Iranian ambassador to Turkey says: "Iran's gas can be transported to Europe through Turkey, but negotiations are still underway," Tasnim news agency reported.
Talking to Anadolu news agency, Alireza Bigdeli reiterated: "We can offer a 30 billion dollar opportunity in energy sector." He further added:" Due to international sanctions, Iran's energy sector has not attracted as much investment as it deserved."
Following eight days of marathon talks on Tehran's nuclear program in the Swiss city of Lausanne, Iran and the P5+1 (five permanent members of UN Security Council, namely Britain, China, France, Russia, the US plus Germany) reached a framework agreement last week that calls for lifting all trade sanctions against Iran. The details of the agreement are to be finalized by a June 30 deadline.
Upon clinching the deal, energy giants have voiced their interest to invest in Iran's lucrative energy market. Stressing that Iran's energy resources including gas can be transported to Europe through Turkey, the envoy announced:" The two sides have paved the way to transport gas to Europe, yet details are to be discussed."
Due to disputes with Russia, European countries are keen on diversifying their energy resources; as a result, they seem to be passionate about such projects as a part of south gas corridor.
Early this month, the EU's energy commissioner, Miguel Arias Canete remarked:'' There is no restriction on importing gas from Iran for EU members." Taking such a decision can reduce EU members' dependency on Russia which supplies one third of Europe.
Turkey has launched the Trans Atlantic Natural Gas Pipeline to carry Azerbaijan’s gas through Georgia to the western borders of Turkey, from where it will reach European countries.
Iran is also eager to add Turkmenistan's natural gas to the project, while another line under the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan is on the cards as well.
"We want to be a transit route for Turkmen gas to Turkey," the Iranian ambassador said. "This would help improve trilateral ties."
