Tehran, Ashgabat bent on expansion of energy ties
Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov emphasized deepening cooperation between the two countries in the fields of oil and gas as well as exploring avenues to expand collaboration.
During a meeting on Tuesday evening in Tehran, Paknejad expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties, stating, “In the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, constructive engagement with neighboring countries, especially Turkmenistan as a friendly and brotherly nation, holds significant importance.”
Paknejad highlighted that during the 14th Iranian administration and following the election of President Masoud Pezeshkian, the development of economic relations, particularly in oil and gas, became a priority.
He noted that this focus was reiterated during discussions between Iran’s president and Turkmenistan’s national leader during the summer visit to Ashgabat, as well as in recent phone conversations between the two leaders.
According to Shana, Paknejad canceled his Wednesday trip to Bushehr Province and Asaluyeh, where he was scheduled to accompany the president and members of the cabinet.
The cancellation was due to the presence of Meredov, and his accompanying delegation in Iran as the decision was made to follow up on discussions with the Turkmen delegation.
Iran as Turkmenistan’s second gas partner
During the meeting, Meredov congratulated Iran on the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution and noted the historically strong ties between the two nations.
He stated, “Iran and Turkmenistan have always enjoyed good relations, and in recent years, these ties have taken on a new dimension, with both countries eager to expand cooperation in various sectors.”
Meredov referenced the recent phone conversation between Turkmenistan’s national leader and Iran’s president, underlining that the strategic issues for expanding cooperation, including in electricity, gas, and transportation, were discussed. He added, “These discussions can help deepen bilateral cooperation.”
The Turkmen FM underscored the success of negotiations with Iran’s Oil Ministry, stating, “I always emphasize that Iran has been Turkmenistan’s second partner in gas cooperation since our independence.”
He pointed to the start of gas cooperation between the two countries in the 1990s, noting that approximately 107 billion cubic meters of gas have been exported from Turkmenistan to Iran during this period.
“These figures and projects reflect the depth of relations and the growing gas ties between Iran and Turkmenistan. Both countries have valuable experience in this field, and I believe we can take further steps to expand relations based on this positive experience,” Meredov concluded.
Tehran’s Caspian Sea meeting
Meredov on Wednesday met Iranian president during which Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s commitment to fostering good neighborly relations and expressed the Islamic Republic’s desire to strengthen ties with neighboring countries, including Turkmenistan.
During the meeting, Meredov conveyed warm greetings from Turkmenistan’s national leader and president to Pezeshkian.
He pointed to existing agreements and joint projects between Iranian and Turkmen companies in various fields, including transportation and energy, and called for further development of bilateral cooperation in all areas.
Meredov expressed hope that the upcoming joint economic cooperation commission between Iran and Turkmenistan would lead to stronger economic ties.
“Relations between the two countries are of great importance to the government of Turkmenistan, and we seek to expand relations in all fields,” he added.
The Turkmen foreign minister also invited Pezeshkian to attend an international conference on peace and trust in Turkmenistan and announced that Turkmenistan would send a high-level delegation to the Caspian Sea littoral states’ summit in Tehran.
Pezeshkian, for his part, emphasized Iran’s principled policy of maintaining positive relations with its neighbors, stating, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has always sought to expand relations with its neighbors, including the friendly and brotherly nation of Turkmenistan, and welcomes the development of cooperation in various fields.”
The president referenced a recent phone conversation with Turkmenistan’s national leader, noting that necessary directives had been issued to relevant authorities to explore further areas of cooperation with Turkmenistan and to address obstacles hindering the acceleration of joint projects.
Pezeshkian also highlighted the upcoming Caspian Sea littoral states’ prime ministers’ meeting in Tehran, underscoring Iran’s desire to enhance relations among Caspian nations based on peace, friendship and good neighborliness.
He added that this approach would be underscored at the forthcoming Caspian summit, with a focus on achieving practical solutions to expand cooperation.
Fruitful talks of FMs
In another meeting on Wednesday, Meredov discussed developments with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, who said that “good consultations” were held with the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan regarding Afghanistan.
Speaking at a joint press conference with his Turkmen counterpart, Araghchi noted the long-standing cultural, civilizational and historical commonalities between Iran and Turkmenistan.
The Iranian foreign minister stated that the Turkmen FM, during his visit to Tehran over the past two days, had held intensive talks with Iranian officials.
Araghchi, said the Turkmen foreign minister was accompanied on this trip by his country’s ministers of roads and energy.
Describing Iran-Turkmenistan relations as “very deep,” Araghchi said the Islamic Republic of Iran was among the first countries to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence, as well as its status as a neutral country.