SHANA -- Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh said the ties between Iran and Turkmenistan would bolster as stressed by the presidents of the two neighbors.

Following a meeting with visiting Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov in Tehran on Sunday, Zangeneh said talks between the two countries for settling their gas dispute would continue.

"In light of the emphasis of the presidents of Iran and Turkmenistan, cooperation between the two countries will be continued positively," he said.

The official said intensive talks in the fields of oil and gas had been carried out between the two neighbors, adding negotiations between the Iranian and Turkmen delegations would continue at the expert level, "so that we can develop relationships in all fields."

He reiterated that the gas swap of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan through Iran would resume early this calendar year, saying, "Iran is ready for cooperation with Turkmenistan in various energy fields."

According to the Iranian official, Tehran and Ashgabat could take major steps in order to enhance their relations which would benefit both of them.