Tehran, Kabul underscore furthering cooperation in oil, gas sectors
Iran’s oil minister and Afghan Taliban’s minister of mines and petroleum stressed the expansion of bilateral cooperation in oil and gas during a meeting on Tuesday, reviewing avenues to develop such collaborations.
“The relations between the two countries are based on brotherhood and safeguarding mutual interests,” said Mohsen Paknejad, in his meeting with Hedayatullah Badri on Tuesday, adding that the Iranian government’s policy is to develop and deepen “economic relations, particularly in the oil and gas sector, with neighboring countries.”
Referring to the immense capabilities of Iran’s state and private companies in exploration, development, and production of oil and gas fields, Paknejad said, “Iran is currently prepared to provide comprehensive cooperation in oil, gas, refining, and petrochemicals in line with Afghanistan’s needs, but the current level of bilateral relations in this field does not match the existing potential.”
The Iranian minister also highlighted Iran’s significant expertise in exporting petrochemical products, workforce training, gas exports, and developing the compressed natural gas (CNG) industry to Afghanistan.
During the meeting, Badri emphasized the cultural and historical commonalities between the two countries, stating, “Given their long shared border and geographical position, Iran and Afghanistan can significantly contribute to regional connectivity and trade exchanges between themselves and other countries.”
Noting the existence of five sedimentary and exploratory oil and gas basins in Afghanistan and the country’s need to conduct exploration operations in these areas, Badri said, “Iranian knowledge-based companies possess the required experience and expertise for the exploration, development, and production of potential and newly discovered oil and gas fields in Afghanistan.”