Dushanbe eager to use Iran's experiences in energy sector

Kyrgyz Minister of Energy and Industry Osmonbek Artykbaev underlined Iran's abilities and progress in the field of energy, and urged Tehran to share its experiences with Dushanbe in this regard. Artykbaev made the remarks in a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Bishkek Ali Najafi on Wednesday. He also called for Tehran's cooperation in the field of energy. Artykbaev said the presence of the Iranian companies and investors in the Kyrgyzstan industry and energy sectors is very important. Najafi, for his part, felicitated the anniversary of independence of Kyrgyzstan Republic, and underlined the necessity of using existing capacities in bilateral ties and expansion of cooperation in the fields of energy, industry and mining. Iran and Kyrgyzstan have recently expanded their bilateral ties and mutual cooperation in different fields. In December 2012, former Iranian Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi called on Iran and Kyrgyzstan to utilize their potentials for the further development of trade ties, adding that Tehran is interested in launching investment programs in Bishkek's economy. Iran is ready to take "effective steps" to boost bilateral trade ties with Kyrgyzstan, Rahimi said in a meeting with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Zhantoro Satybaldiyev in Bishkek at the time. Rahimi added that Iran is willing to make investment in Kyrgyzstan to help the country's economic development. Satybaldiyev, for his part, called for the further expansion of economic ties between Iran and Kyrgyzstan, and thanked Iran for its $1mln financial aid to Bishkek for building a sports complex in the Southern Osh City.