TEHRAN, May 16 (Shana) -- Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh said Tehran and Algiers can boost their energy ties despite the current difficult times caused by oil price slump in global markets.

During a meeting with visiting Algerian Minister of Industry and Mining, Abdessalam Bouchouareb in his Tehran office on Monday, Zangeneh said the two countries have passed behind some hard times given the falling prices of oil and it looks like they are still undergoing similar difficulties.

"Tehran and Algiers have always adopted similar stances in crises and hard times and have supported each other," said the Iranian official in the meeting.

He said the visit of First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri, to Algeria and the presence of Algerian prime minister at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Tehran will lead to enhancement of ties between the two countries.

"Politically, the grounds are ready for boosting cooperation between the two countries and we hope they will enhance their economic relations," said Zangeneh.

He also said the economies of Iran and Algeria can complement each other.

By SHAN