TEHRAN, Nov. 11 (MNA) � Describing the latest status of negotiations with Malaysia�s Petronas and Austria�s OMV oil companies, managing director of ICOFC announced several Russian firms� willingness to invest in Iran�s central oil fields.On the launch of cooperation between Iran's Central Oil Fields Company (ICOFC) and Malaysia�s Petronas, Solbali Karimi said, �we have taken Petronas oil company as our 2025 model for upgrading Iranian oil systems since oil industry needs to continuously seek progress.�

Referring to the main advantages of cooperation between the two countries, Karimi asserted, �Petronas is a Muslim Asian company sharing extensive cultural and religious similarities with Iran.�

Managing director of ICOFC further stressed the regional commonalities between Iran and Malaysia; �furthermore, increasing gas production has been put on the agenda by both sides,� he underlined.

�ICOFC aims to gain more efficiency by considering Petronas as a rolemodel,� said the official adding that �accordingly, we feel the need to improve structures in order to achieve improved efficiency.�

Karimi noted that Petronas is supposed to offer trainings in several areas on the basis of the contract noting �so far, preliminary talks have been conducted and the Malaysian side has expressed willingness to finalize the mutual agreement by removal of sanctions.�

Referring to the negotiation with Austria�s OMV oil company on expanding Cheshmeh Khosh oil field, he explained �the Austrian company has announced readiness in this regard and the first stages of talks have been accomplished.�

Karimi noted the upcoming technical meeting with the Austrian side to discuss the costs and benefits of the project; �so far, numerous negotiations have been made with foreign companies especially from China, Russia as well as Europe over development of oil and gas fields."

�Nevertheless, no final decision will be made before the finalization and introduction of Iranian Petroleum Contracts (IPC),� he concluded.

By Mehr News Agency