Iran’s Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zanganeh questioned Trump
asking why he is concerned that Europeans take money from Iran and why he does
not allow American companies to benefit from Iran.
Zanganeh made the remarks Tue. speaking to the reporters
following his meeting with South Korean Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
Kim Hyun-mi, adding that Trump prevents American companies to enter Iran’s
market, they are not blocked by Iran.
"We are prepared to negotiate with American corporations on
developing petroleum and gas resources. Mr. Trump does not need to feel so
concerned about this.” The Iranian official stated.
Referring to his meeting with Korean Minister, Zanganeh
added that they discussed petroleum and gas condensate exports and the
challenges of cash transfer.
It was decided that Korea’s infrastructure minister report
the issue to the finance minister of the country. In addition, a delegation
from Iran will travel to Korea in order to resolve the issue.
Iran’s oil export to South Korea is about 120000 barrels per
day which includes gas condensate as well. If the problem of cash transfer
isn’t solved, Iran will be forced to reduces it oil exports to Korea and
consider another country.
Korea does not have any debts, the problem lies in paying
foreign currency, Zanganeh stated, adding "Some of the money is paid in Euro,
and some in Korean national currency, but we prefer Euro to comprise the bigger
share.”
The two officials also discussed the participation of Korean
companies in Iran’s market who were active in the past, and are now willing to
continue their cooperation.
As stated by Iranian minister, Korean government has
allocated a line of credit worth 20 billion dollars, financing Korean companies
to partake in Iran’s market.
Zanganeh further negotiated on LNG and investments on
petroleum and petrochemical programs. Koreans also take part in refinement
projects. They are currently cooperating in Isfahan Refinery Complex.
Kim Hyun-mi, the South Korean minister has traveled to
Tehran to attend UNESCO's Strategic Partnership Meeting.
