Iran wants stronger energy ties with Turkey

ANKARA, Turkey, May 30 (UPI) -- Iran expects to add to the $10 billion trade relationship with Turkey through further cooperation in the energy sector, Iran's ambassador to Ankara said.

Ambassador Aliereza Bigdeli spoke Thursday on bilateral trade during a summit in Ankara. Both countries, he said, are positioned well to take advantage of transit opportunities in the European and Asian energy sectors.

Iran has said its gas resources could be a benefit to a European community struggling to break Russia's grip on the region's energy sector, though sanctions on Iran have put many investors on the sidelines.

Iranian state media reports Turkey imported $10 billion worth of goods last year and that level could double given the right trade climate.

In February, Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said he's ready to listen if Iran comes forward with new energy investment proposals, but nothing is in the works.