OPEC chief hails Zanganeh’s reappointment

EghtesadOnline: Mahammad Sanusi Barkindo, the secretary general of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), in a letter congratulated Iran’s Petroleum Minister Bijan Zanganeh for his reappointment.

News ID: ۷۷۸۶۳۴

20 August 2017

According to PressTV, Barkindo came as Iran’s Parliament endorsed Zanganeh - together with 16 other cabinet nominees.

“On behalf of all of the staff at the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, please permit me, Your Excellency, to wish you ever success in this role over the coming years,” he wrote in the letter as reported by Shana – the news agency of Iran’s Ministry of Petroleum.

“I have no doubt that the constructive relationship that exists between the Islamic Republic of Iran and OPEC will continue to flourish during your tenure. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for the personal support that you have given to me since my appointment as Secretary General.”

President Rouhani came in full support of Zanganeh in his speech at the Parliament to defend his cabinet picks.

He emphasized that the world was already looking up to the veteran Iranian minister who has served in various positions in almost all administrations after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Zanganeh is specifically credited at home for what many see as his success in increasing Iran’s oil and gas production capacity.

He also specifically drew cheers from the Parliamentarians for strengthening Iran’s position in OPEC.

"Currently you are the longest serving Minister in OPEC and, therefore, the most experienced, your reappointment is a vote for continuity, stability and further productive collaboration between OPEC and non-OPEC,” Shana further quoted Barkindo as telling Zanganeh in his letter.

“I am delighted that OPEC will continue to benefit from your vast reservoir of knowledge and rich fountain of wisdom for many years to come.”

After several days of debating the credentials of Rouhani’s cabinet picks, the Iranian Parliament approved 16 minister nominees except for the president’s candidate for energy minister.

Rouhani is also yet to introduce his pick for the positon of the minister of science and higher education.