-Spanish companies are willing to cooperate with Iran in a bid to form joint ventures with Iranian companies and access Middle East markets, said Spain's Industry, Energy and Tourism Minister Jose Manuel Soria in Tehran.
"Iran and Spain used to enjoy good and constructive economic relations in the past which were unfortunately impeded by the sanctions," the Spanish official told reporters after a Monday meeting with Iranian Petroleum Minister Bijan Zangeneh.
He said despite the western restrictions on dealing with Iran, many Spanish firms maintained their interactions with their Iranian counterparts by investing in projects or manufacturing industrial items for them.
"Now that a new round of activities in Iran in the wake of removed sanctions is about to begin for Spanish companies, they will have a more active presence in the country in various economics, industrial and energy sectors," he hoped.
Three Spanish ministers began an official visit to Iran on Sunday along with a 70-member delegation, including representatives of major businesses such as global energy company Repsol.
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, Industry, Energy and Tourism Minister Jose Manuel Soria and Public Works and Transport Minister Ana Maria Pastor Julian are visiting Iran for three days of talks with Iranian officials.
They are accompanied by business owners operating in the fields of infrastructure, development and road building, as well as oil and gas.
Oil & Gas Activities in Iran
Speaking about the highlights of his meeting with Zangeneh, Soria said the two sides indicated their interest to expand mutual ties.
"Besides enjoying an important and extraordinary market, Iran can act as the center of progress and be the launch pad for targeting regional markets," he added.
"Iran and Spain have agreed to cooperate in areas like oil, gas, infrastructure, engineering and renewable energies, and we are planning to start serious and fundamental talks about these issues," he said.
Spanish companies are willing to cooperate with their Iranian opposite numbers in oil and gas projects including discovery, refinery and enhancing refinery capacity operations, he added.
Soria said Spanish companies can also cooperate with Iranians in the transfer of technologies and supply of oil and gas goods and equipment.
"Spain can act as a canal for Iran's gas exports to Europe," he said.