Turkey, Iran can jointly undertake bigger projects: minister

Guler, who met Iranian Energy Minister Parviz Fattah on the third day of his visit to this country, said the two countries could jointly undertake bigger projects.

He said the transportation of Iranian natural gas to Europe through Turkey would be a turning point in relations.

Turkey and Iran had signed a preliminary agreement on energy cooperation and agreed to develop part of the South Pars gas field in 2007.

The memorandum envisions transporting Iranian natural gas to European markets via Turkey, shipping Turkmen natural gas to Europe via Iran and Turkey, and boosting cooperation in oil trade.

Guler also met Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Tehran on Sunday to hold talks on the energy cooperation for the South Pars gas field in the Persian Gulf.

An energy deal with Iran is also considered important in realizing the multi-national natural gas project Nabucco, aimed at transferring Caspian gas to Europe via Turkey.

COOPERATION WITH IRAN

Guler said Turkey planned to make $120 billion of investment in solar, wind and geothermal energy systems by 2020 and noted that the two countries could cooperate in the field of renewable energy.

Fatah said the current determination and will of both parties to cooperate in the energy sector was a historic opportunity that was beneficial for the people of Turkey and Iran.

Guler had earlier also announced that Turkey would soon increase the daily amount of natural gas purchased from Iran, to 50 million cubic meters.

Turkey mainly depends on Russia and Iran for natural gas.

Guler is also expected to meet Iran's Foreign Minister Manuchehr Motaki on Monday.