"In this edition of 'Shell in the Middle East' we feature prominently Shell's recent signing of an agreement with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) to develop offshore oil fields in the Gulf. We have tried to limit in the magazine the extent to which Shell people talk about this agreement and, as with all previous editions, we have provided a platform for our partners. We are grateful to Mr. Mehdi Hosseini, Deputy Minister for International Affairs at the Ministry of Petroleum of the Islamic Republic of Iran for speaking so openly to us.

The signing of the agreement with NIOC is the culmination of a period of intensive hard work on both sides. We hope that it will be seen as the beginning of a new era in the region for Shell, heralding not only further co-operation with our new partners in Iran, but also providing evidence to others in the region who are contemplating working with us, that Shell is a partner with something special to offer. A great start to the new millennium!"

PATRICK BRIGGS
Managing Editor
SHELL IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Tel: 971 4 303 5257
Fax: 971 4 3321 598
E-mail: p.s.briggs@shelldub.simis.com