Tehran (IP) - Iranian Deputy Minister of Petroleum for Gas Affairs announced on Sunday a rise in natural gas exports to Iraq and set a deadline for this country to pay its debt, adding Iran is considering gas exports to Europe.

Iran PressIran News: In September, the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) announced a decline in Iran’s natural gas exports to Iraq based on an agreement between the two sides.

According to Shana, Majid Chegeni made the remarks at a press conference held on the sidelines of the 26th International Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Exhibition, also called Iran Oil Show, adding, The gas exports agreement with Iraq is to expire next year, and we are preparing a new deal through which both sides will assume specific commitments."

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with the Iraqi side a few weeks ago to increase gas exports to this country, he said, adding under the MoU, Iran's gas exports have increased, and Iraq will pay its 1.6 million dollar debt to Iran by the end of May and NIGC would renegotiate the issue if it was not paid.

On the possibility of Iran’s gas exports to Europe, he said: “We are studying it but have yet to conclude. However, Iran always seeks development of energy diplomacy and expanding the market.”

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