TEHRAN, Feb. 3 (Shana) � Petroleum Minister Bijan Zangeneh said that Iran and Venezuela have always held close positions regarding the oil sector.

 

He made the statement following a meeting here on Wednesday with the visiting Venezuelan Oil Minister Eulogio del Pino during which they discussed latest developments in the global crude oil market.

"Iran and Venezuela maintain strategic relations on the issue of global crude oil markets. Iran supports Venezuela's efforts to improve the oil market and its stability," Zangeneh told reporters in a joint press conference with del Pino.

"We held positive talks about Tehran-Caracas relations after removal of sanctions," Zangeneh said, adding that bilateral ties were discussed besides OPEC, international oil markets and cooperation of OPEC and non-OPEC members.

The Iranian minister said his Venezuelan counterpart who arrived in Tehran from Moscow is scheduled to visit Doha and Riyadh for further negotiations.

Del Pino said that six crude oil producing countries including Iran, Russia, Iraq, Oman, and Venezuela have agreed on convention of a joint emergency meeting between OPEC and non-OPEC member states.

"Iran has agreed to take part in the meeting and Russia has already announced its agreement," del Pino said.

Saying that current crude oil prices are very low and that a balance between production and stability in the market is needed, he urged OPEC members to take up their historical responsibility in this regard.

He also welcomed removal of sanctions against Iran and hoped that in the post-sanctions era, Tehran and Caracas will continue the cooperation they used to have under the sanctions.

Venezuela has called for convention of an emergency meeting of oil producers while some countries suggest reaching a consensus on their views prior to the meeting saying it can otherwise negatively affect the market.

By SHANA