Iran courts Tajikistan as energy partner

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DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 12 (UPI) -- The Iranian government is eager to work with Tajikistan on hydroelectric power and natural gas, the Iranian ambassador to Dushanbe said.

Iranian Ambassador to Tajikistan Aliasgar Sherdust told the Trend news service that both sides viewed energy ties as mutually beneficial. Tajikistan, he said, runs an energy surplus in the summer while Iran tends to have more energy available in winter months.

In terms of hydroelectric power, he said Tehran would work in the country to help with the development of two power stations that could produce as much as 220 megawatts of power.

"Tehran is well aware of the potential of Tajikistan, in particular in the field of hydropower, and a special program to attract future investment in this area was prepared in this sector," he said.

In March, the envoy said, delegates from the Iranian and Afghan governments visited Tajikistan to discuss natural gas exports.

"According to the agreement reached by the heads of Tajikistan, Iran and Afghanistan in Dushanbe, a pipeline from Iran to Tajikistan through Afghanistan and further to Kyrgyzstan and China will be built," he said.