TEHRAN, Nov. 29 (Mehr News Agency) - Iran and Syria on Wednesday reached an agreement to connect their electricity networks via Turkey and Iraq, Iran Energy Minister said.

"Ministers from Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey will also hold talks in Damascus in future to bring together their electricity networks," Parviz Fattah told reporters after a meeting with Syrian Energy Minister Ahmed Khaled al-Ali who is currently on a visit to Iran.

Fattah noted that transmission power lines have previously been posted at Iran-Iraq and Syria-Iraq borders. "Iraq has implicitly announced its agreement on a multilateral connection, but further negotiations are needed to reach an overall accord," the minister added.

The official also stated, "We agreed to operate two units of Syrian Banias power plant during a next trip to this country. The units are currently being renovated by Iran's Azarab Company of Arak."

Syria has voiced its eagerness on the construction of a power plant by Iranian companies either on BOO (build-own-operate) or BOT (build-operate-transfer) bases, he noted. "Talks are progressing well and they are expected to come to fruition in future meetings," he added.

Fattah named the development of Banias power plant as another issue discussed by the two ministers, which should be negotiated further, according to him.

Ahmed Khaled al-Ali has been visiting Iran since last Friday upon an invitation by his Iranian counterpart.

Iranian and Syrian ministers are due to sign an agreement on the expansion of Tehran-Damascus bilateral cooperation at the end of their negotiations. The agreement text is currently at final stage of assessment by experts.

... Payvand News - 11/30/06 ... --