Iran and Germany sign agreement on energy cooperation

Berlin -- Iran and Germany signed a memorandum of understanding on boosting cooperation in the field of energy, Iranian Energy Minister Habibollah Bitaraf told IRNA recently following his meetings with German Economic Minister Wolfgang Clement and German Environment Minister Juergen Trittin.

"The talks with the two German ministers focused on expanding economic, scientific, technological and industrial cooperation between Germany and Iran," said Bitaraf, while stressing Iran's interest in sharing German technical expertise in the fields of water, electrics, sewage systems and environment.

"A memorandum of understanding was signed with the German economic minister to promote continued bilateral cooperation (in the energy sector) which also included the German government's support of German investors who want to be active in Iran's energy industries," Bitaraf added.

After arriving in Berlin, the Iranian minister called the meetings "positive".

"The German side approached the talks positively and displayed their goodwill. The Germans also expressed their total readiness to cooperate with Iranian firms," said Bitaraf who was also scheduled to hold talks with German Education and Research Minister Edelgard Bulmahn said.

BBC Monitoring Middle East