Tehran, IRNA -- Mehdi Safari, Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy, said that Iran is ready to help Turkmenistan gain access to free waters and southern Iranian ports.

Safari made the remark on Monday during his visit to Turkmenistan where he held talks with Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov.

The Iranian official spoke about his country’s economic capabilities, and said that the Islamic Republic is keen to increase transit of goods via Turkmenistan.

He added that the two sides can also expand cooperation in oil and gas sector, as well as transit of Turkmenistan’s energy commodities to neighboring countries through Iran.

An increase in cooperation between border provinces of the two countries was another issue raised by the Iranian official.

The top Turkmen diplomat welcomed proposals made by the Iranian side, stressing the need for stepping up efforts to boost bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Safari also held talks with other Turkmen government officials.

During those talks, Tehran-Ashgabat cooperation in different fields, including agriculture, oil and gas, as well as electricity and construction was assessed.

Safari elaborated on Iran’s capabilities in those sectors and proposed projects on which the two sides can have cooperation.  

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