TEHRAN, Feb. 2 (Shana) � Deputy Petroleum Minister for International Affairs and Commerce Amir-Hossein Zamani-Nia said that the multi-national oil and gas company Royal Dutch Shell is pay back its arrears in oil purchase from Iran as soon as banking requirements are facilitated.

�Banking arrangements are made and Shell will soon pay its debt,� he told Shana.

Following the implementation of the nuclear Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), he added, Shell announced it is ready to pay back its debt in the first instance after Iran�s banking conditions are facilitated.

Zamani-Nia also said that Pakistan�s minister of petroleum and natural resources is expected to arrive in Iran next week to discuss the gas pipeline project between the two neighboring countries.
�China is interested in participation in the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project,� he said, �We hope to start the contract as soon as possible.�

The deputy petroleum minister added that during the upcoming visit of Greek prime minister to Iran next Sunday, both sides will finalize oil negotiations on payment of debts to Iran as well as new purchases.

By SHANA