Slovenian companies have already launched some projects in Iran, while Iran sees Slovenia as an entry point for the Balkan and EU markets.

Economy Ministry State Secretary Aleš Cantarutti told the press on the sidelines of the session that Slovenia saw Iran as a partner market where it could develop new products and jointly enter new markets.

"At the same time we are enabling Iran to enter the Western Balkan and EU markets," he said, adding that the forming of the commission was an important step in strengthening relations with Iran and supporting companies from both countries in creating partnerships and new opportunities.

According to Cantarutti, the plan is that the joint commission for energy leads into the creation of a bilateral commission for economic cooperation, which would cover other fields as well.

On the concluding day of the session on Tuesday, the participants will sign a protocol that will cover joint activities for until the end of the year and concrete projects that are already being implemented or planned.

Both countries presented today their main guidelines in the fields of renewables, efficient energy use and smart networks which provide new opportunities of cooperation in science.

Gholamali Karaminia of the Iranian Energy Ministry explained that both countries had defined long-term energy programmes, adding that the meeting marked the start of the countries' cooperation in energy.

Concrete projects are possible primarily in electricity measuring, modernisation of electrical sub-stations, construction of hydro power plants and upgrading of distribution and transmission networks, Karaminia said.

Certain Slovenian companies, such as electricity distributor Gen-i, engineering company Riko, telecommunications company Iskratel and electronics company Iskra sistemi, already have partners in Iran, said Igor Koprivnikar of Gen-i, adding that Slovenian partners wanted to support Iran with their know-how in selling its energy efficiently.

Cantarutti added that the foundation for cooperation was more than good, with the Economy Ministry deciding to provide Slovenian companies both with political and financial support.

Karaminia noted that Iran had very good experience with Slovenia in transfer of know-how and technology. Iran sees Slovenia as a trustworthy partner which can help it enter the wider region, primarily the Western Balkans, he added.