Putin welcomes Supreme Leader's proposal

Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Thursday welcomed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei's proposal on close cooperation among gas exporting countries within the framework of a consortium.

Speaking at a news conference, Putin expressed Russia's willingness to cooperate with Iran and other main gas suppliers in the field of gas sale and export based on the the interests of both producers and consumers.

"Under current conditions, we do not think of forming a gas cartel," he added.

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution has proposed closer cooperation among countries with huge gas reserves including Iran and Russia.