TEHRAN, Jan. 19 (Shana) -- Iranian Deputy Petroleum Minister in International Affairs and Trading Amir Hossein Zamaninia is to pay a visit to Greece on January 22 at the invitation of the Greek energy minister.

Zamaninia will review cooperation potentials between Tehran and Athens during his two-day stay in Athens. The Iranian official will also hold talks with Greek energy officials for expansion of mutual ties with Iran.

Furthermore, Zamaninia's visit will be a preliminary to an upcoming visit to Tehran by Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

On November 30, Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias headed a 40-strong delegation in a meeting with Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh to discuss energy cooperation in the post-sanctions setting.

During the meeting Zangeneh underlined buying stocks of Greek refineries by Iranian firms, and said Tadbir Energy, an Iranian energy company, has indicated interest to purchase stocks of a Greek refinery which is supported by the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum.

"The purchase of Greek refineries by Iranian companies is a good thing to happen while the Ministry of Petroleum does not directly buy Greek refineries," he added.

A delegation comprising 40 business leaders arrived in the capital on November 30 to see cooperation opportunities in Iran following the sanctions removal.

By SHANA