Iran-Oman gas pipeline ready in 2-3 years

Omani Oil Minister Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy said a pipeline which is due to take Iran's natural gas supplies to his country will be ready in the next two to three years. The minister told Shana that the pipeline project depends on technical design and pipe laying. The Omani minister is in Tehran to attend the ministerial meeting of the Gas Exporting Counties Forum (GECF). Al Rumhy said a joint committee has been established by the two countries to push ahead with the pipeline project. He gave a positive assessment of energy cooperation between Iran and Oman and expressed hope that the relations will expand further in the future. He noted that internationals sanctions imposed against the Islamic Republic have had no impact on Tehran-Muscat relations. The Omani minister also predicted a bright future for GECF, saying this forum’s status is promoting. The Board of Directors of the GECF recently drafted the agenda for its upcoming ministerial meeting in Tehran. Iran, Libya and Russia nominated their candidates for the post of GECF secretary-general. Iran has nominated Mohammad-Hossein Adeli as its candidate for the top post. GECF members account for 42 percent of the world’s gas production, 70 percent of the world’s gas reserves, 38percentof pipeline gas transmission and 85 percent of liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade. Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, the United Arab Emirates and Oman constitute the 13 member states of GECF. The Netherlands, Kazakhstan and Norway have observer status and Iraq has recently joined the forum.