TEHRAN, April 28 (UPI) -- Iranian Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian said his government was hoping to work on modernizing the nation's energy grid with help from Russia.
Chitchian met Sunday in Tehran with Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak to discuss upgrading Iran's power plants and electrical transmission lines.
"Iran and Russia enjoy long-time joint experiences in the power industry and therefore, we hope that these negotiations would develop our cooperation in water and electricity industries," Chitchian said.
Iran is working with the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, which includes Russia, on a deal that would allay Western concerns over a nuclear program Tehran says is for peaceful purposes.
Russia supplies Iran with fuel needed to power its Bushehr nuclear reactor.
Novak said an electricity deal could include cooperation with neighboring Azerbaijan.
"In this regard, we are compiling a preliminary draft agreement among the three countries to enable us to reach results for modernizing construction of new power plants, building hydroelectric power plants and high-pressure electricity transmission lines in Iran," he said.
