国际英语新闻:Iran, Russia to jointly build 2 nuclear power plants

TEHRAN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Iran will start construction of two nuclear power plants in the country in cooperation with Russian experts, Iranian Energy minister announced on Tuesday.

"The contract has been signed between the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and Russia, and includes building two 1,000-megawatt nuclear power plants, the construction of which is about to start," Hamid Chitchian said.

His remarks came after AEOI Head Ali Akbar Salehi announced on Saturday that construction of two new nuclear power plants in the country will start soon.

Chitchian also said that "another active project is also underway between the energy ministry and Moscow on constructing a 1,400-megawatt power plant in Hormozgan province near the Persian Gulf," adding that the construction work of the power plant has already started.

In February, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak underlined that Moscow is keen on finalizing contracts with Iran and also helping the country build more power plants.

Iran plans large-scale construction of power plants and Russia may receive a significant share in building contracts of such power plants, Novak said.