President Niyazov (R) with former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami in Tehran last year (RFE/RL)
10 November 2005 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has invited Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov to visit Iran.
Iran's official IRNA news agency today reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki handed the invitation to Niyazov during their meeting today in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat.
Turkmen state television on 9 November reported that Mottaki told Niyazov that Iran is ready to increase its purchases of Turkmen liquefied natural gas.
The two sides also discussed the legal demarcation of the Caspian Sea and developing the sea's hydrocarbon resources. They also discussed ways for Iranian firms to participate in the modernization of Turkmenistan's industrial sector.
IRNA says Mottaki, who is back in Tehran, stressed the importance of holding regular talks to ensure regional stability and good relations.
(IRNA/Turkmen TV)
RFE/RL Central Asia Report
RFE/RL Central Asia Report
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