TEHRAN, Feb. 2 (Shana) � Managing Director of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) said that cooperation with major international energy firms such as Italy�s Saipem and Russia�s Gazprom are increasing in the wake of removal of sanctions.

Hamid-Reza Araqi told reporters on sidelines of a meeting to sign the MoU on supporting Iranian exporters working with Turkmenistan that the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and Saipem agreed during the visit of President Hassan Rouhani to Rome on constructing the pipeline to pump Iran�s gas to Europe.
�With Gazprom, there are five joint committees established on investment, repair, maintenance, storage, and refinery,� he said.

Major gas companies exchange their experience and knowledge, he said adding that NIGC signed a cooperation agreement with a French company during President Rouhani�s visit to Paris last week.
On exporting gas to neighboring countries, Araqi also said that when Iraq announces its readiness, Iran will be pumping 7 mcm/d of gas for nine months according to the contract which is scheduled to increase to 14 mcm/d and 25 mcm/d.

To a question on Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, he said that the Pakistani side is working to construct the pipeline on its soil to be connected to Iran�s facilities which are already installed.
The NIGC managing director announced that after Turkey�s demanded additional gas, Iran prepared for extra supply of 2 mcm/d and the Turkish side used 1 mcm/d.

He also said an arbitration court has turned down Turkey�s case for a 35.5 decrease in gas price to be in force since 2010 and agreed to a 10-15 reduction as of 2011.

By SHANA