Yury Sentyurin made the remarks after meeting Iran's Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh in Tehran. He said he had offered his gratitude to Iran's minister for his support for GECF.

Sentyurin said he had discussed technological, scientific and research issues as well as establishment of a gas research institute with Zangeneh.

He underscored the significance of supply security and demand for gas and other fossil fuels in energy markets.

Sentyurin said new memberships did not constitute a priority for GECF, saying it had focused its attention on more cooperation between countries containing gas deposits.