Ukrainian Foreign Minister Anatoly Zlenko called Wednesday, December 12 for the construction of a pipeline that would transport natural gas from Iran to Western Europe via Ukraine. Zlenko, speaking during a press conference with his Iranian counterpart, Kamal Kharazi, said the project was proposed during talks with Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh.
He said the pipeline would "open new markets for Iranian gas, and would benefit Ukraine as well". Iran has the world's second-largest gas reserves after Russia, and hopes to develop its economy by exporting gas, notably to India and Europe.
Zlenko arrived here Tuesday at the head of a high-ranking delegation at the invitation of Kharazi. During his stay he is scheduled to meet President Mohammad Khatami and other senior Iranian officials. — (AFP, Tehran)
© Agence France Presse 2001
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
