TEHRAN - Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh and his Iraqi counterpart Thamir Ghadhban met on Thursday to discuss expansion of bilateral ties in energy sector. Heading a high-ranking delegation, Zanganeh was welcomed by Ghadhban in Baghdad, Shana reported.

Speaking in a press conference after the meeting between the two countries’ officials, Iranian minister underlined the great potentials for expansion of bilateral relations especially in energy sector.

Zanganeh also expressed hope that the meeting and other talks between the two sides will advance Iran-Iraq cooperation in every field.

He further noted that Iran has enough reserves of gas to increase its experts to Iraq.

Ghadhban for his part, stressed the common grounds for cooperation between the two sides and emphasized the implementation of previously signed agreements on energy.

During his visit, Zanganeh also met with Iraq's Prime Minister Adil Abd al-Mahdi in which Abd al-Mahdi stressed the importance of stronger bilateral ties with Iran in various fields especially in oil and gas sectors.

The Iraqi prime minister pointed to cooperation in the fields of oil and gas as one of the most important areas for strengthening relations between the two countries.

Iranian Ambassador to Baghdad Iraj Masjedi and Iraqi Oil Minister Thamir Ghadhban also attended the meeting between the two officials.

Later on Thursday Zanganeh also held talks with Iraqi President Salih Barham during which the Iraqi official reiterated that promoting Tehran-Baghdad relations will benefit regional security and stability.

EF/MA