Iran, Turkey, Iraq sign energy deal

BAGHDAD, May 29 (UPI) -- Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in Baghdad with Iraq and Turkey to link power and energy networks with Syria.

Iranian Energy Minister Parviz Fattah signed the agreement with his Turkish and Iraqi counterparts at an inaugural trilateral regional energy conference in Baghdad, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reports.

The agreement outlines provisions to link regional power networks with the ultimate aim of connecting to European networks.

Iran and Syria signed a separate bilateral memorandum of understanding in April in the oil and gas sector that includes exploration and pipeline development.

That package included the development of upstream activities, drilling and exploration, and the possible construction of the Persian Pipeline from Iran to Europe.

The 2,100-mile Persian Pipeline would bring an estimated 1.3 trillion cubic feet to markets in Europe along a path that includes Turkey, Iraq and Syria.

Energy officials from all four countries are expected to hold further negotiations in Ankara within the next six months.