Zamaninia, who accompanied Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in his trip to Baku on from March 27 to 29, described Turkmenistan as a strategic partner for Iran, adding, "The [Iranian] Ministry of Petroleum has expressed its willingness to Turkmenistan for long-term cooperation in the energy sector as well as joint [gas] exports to India, Pakistan and the Persian Gulf states."

Iran has halted gas swap with Turkmenistan in January, because of the low quality of the gas supplied by Baku, the official added.

"Thanks to the talks between the presidents of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkmenistan, the two presidents issued an order for resumption of the swap on the March 27 which became effective on March 28, he added.

Noting a gas dispute between Iran and Turkmenistan, the Deputy Petroleum Minister said, with the positive views of the two presidents, and with a positive approach of expansion of energy relations between the two countries, "negotiations to achieve common understanding, in light of orders of the Presidents of Iran and Turkmenistan, continue."

He also announced that Baku has signaled interest in developing three hydrocarbon fields in the Caspian Sea.

"The proposition by the Turkmen side is being weighed up with a positive approach," the official added.

Historical Caspian MOU signed in Baku

Zamaninia underlined signature of a 'historic' memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh and his Azeri opposite number in Baku for developing two oil blocs in the Caspian Sea on March 28, adding the presidents of the two countries described the deal as a "historic pact".

The memorandum of understanding, called by the Presidents of Iran and Azerbaijan as a "historic agreement", can expand the friendship and economic cooperation of the two countries exponentially, he said.

He said the deal was the result of two years of consistent talks between hid department and SOCAR and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, adding Azerbaijan was involved in the talks because of the legal regime of the Caspian Sea.

The Deputy Minister of Petroleum stressed that signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and Azerbaijan for the development of two oil blocs disregarding the Caspian Sea legal regime.