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GreeceSkourletisGreece can act as ‘conduit’ between Iran and Europe, Skourletis says
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Greece and Iran are about to launch a new course, in which Greece can act as a ‘conduit’ between Europe and Iran, Environment and Energy Minister Panos Skourletis said on Friday after a meeting Iran’s Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia in Athens.
He noted that all the requirements, as well as the necessary will, were present to take the “next step” in bilateral relations.
Skourletis and Zamaminia examined the prospects for closer energy cooperation between Greece and Iran following the lifting of international sanctions. They also discussed the resumption of oil purchases from Iran and exchanged views concerning the natural gas and renewable energy sectors.
Among the issues raised during the meeting was an outstanding debt owed by the Greek oil refiner Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE) to the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), which came about when when the embargo was imposed on Iran and prevented settlement.
The Iranian side confirmed a willingness to deepen bilateral relations and for cooperation on multiple levels, both in the economic and diplomatic fields.
The meeting was attended by the new Iranian Ambassador in Athens Majid Motallebi Shabestari, the Greek Ambassador in Tehran, Giorgos Ayfantis and other diplomatic staff. It was followed by a wider meeting between delegations from the two countries, with the participation of representatives from ELPE and NIOC.