KIEV, Dec. 4 – Kiev and Teheran are close to signing agreements on cooperation in a project for the joint production of the An-148/158 next generation regional passenger jet family, Iranian Ambassador to Ukraine Akbar Qasemi said.

The Iranian FarsNews agency reported on Monday, referring to the ambassador, that the talks between the sides are at the final stage.

"Based on the agreements, Ukraine and Iran will start the production of the Antonov-148, with a capacity of 86 seats, and the Antonov-158, which will seat 96 passengers, in 2013," Qasemi said.