OREANDA-NEWS. February 27, 2008. Cooperation between Belarus and Iran in the oil industry will not be limited to oil extraction and prospecting, but will be extended onto gas and petrochemical industries. The collaboration will be versatile and large-scale, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Belarus Abdel-Hamid Fekri told media in Minsk on February 27.

The diplomat underscored, the sides are now vigorously working on it. Negotiations are regularly held. In particular, a while ago these issues were discussed with the Industry Minister of Iran in Tehran.

Now Belarusian specialists are working in the oil region where oil extraction is supposed to start. “The approach of the Belarusians to this issue confirms their interest in implementing oil agreements. I am confident this project will be very beneficial for Belarus,” remarked the Ambassador.

Asked about the prospects of opening an Iranian bank in Belarus soon, Abdel-Hamid Fekri said, Iranian bankers had repeatedly visited Minsk and met with Belarusian colleagues. The Iranian side is preparing all the documents necessary for opening a bank. All the procedures go as usual, remarked the Ambassador.

He also said, Iran is intent on setting up a construction materials enterprise in Belarus, maybe in the Gomel oblast.