During a meeting held at the Secretariat of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna, Kazim Gharibabadi and Mohammad Sanousi Barkindo reviewed developments in global crude oil market following the outbreak of coronavirus in China.

Gharibabadi emphasized the role of the Organization in helping to maintain stability in the oil market and to ensure the mutual benefits of both producers and consumers.

During the meeting, Barkindo stressed the need for close consultations between OPEC members as well as non-OPEC oil producers within the framework of the Cooperation Agreement, especially in the current ambiguous situation.

Rejecting the US unilateral and illegal sanctions on Iran’s oil exports, Gharibabadi also reiterated Iran's right to exercise its rights at any time and under any circumstances it deems appropriate.