Iran-Turkey Gas Deal Slated for Feb.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Turkey could sign in February a final deal with Iran that includes developing Iranian gas fields and building power plants together in both countries, Turkish Energy Minister Hilmi Guler said.

Turkey is not considering arbitration with Iran over a cut in natural gas that started last month, but there was no firm date for gas exports to Turkey to reach contract levels, Guler told reporters on Thursday, Alalam said.

In July Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding to use Iran as a transit route for Turkmen gas and agreed to develop Iran’s South Pars gas field to facilitate the transport of gas to Europe.

Washington has strongly objected to the agreement between its NATO ally, Turkey, and the Islamic Republic.

In response to questions concerning the issue, Guler noted that meetings between Iranian and Turkish officials have been ongoing.

An Iranian delegation will visit Turkey for discussing details of technical issues.

Following that meeting, Ankara will then invite Iranian ministers to Ankara for an overall assessment, he added.

“Surely,” Guler responded briefly, when asked whether the July deal with Iran could be finalized next month.

He added that Turkey planned to suggest to the Nabucco Consortium that the natural gas pipeline, which aims to increase European energy security, begin near Ankara.

Turkey is increasing energy cooperation with Iran.