According to the report of the public relations of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC), during a meeting on Tuesday (May 20) with Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad highlighted the ongoing session of the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Economic Committee and its diverse agenda. He said the committee could significantly boost trade exchanges between the two countries.
Paknejad emphasized that constructive engagement with neighboring countries—particularly Turkmenistan, a “friendly and brotherly nation”—has always been a priority in Iran’s foreign policy. He added that the current administration is firmly committed to expanding energy ties with Turkmenistan.
He pointed to the swift implementation of the gas swap deal through Iran that delivers Turkmen gas to Turkey, expressing hope that other energy-related agreements—such as direct gas imports from Turkmenistan—would advance at a similar pace.
Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister and Head of Cabinet, Rashid Meredov, noted that Iran and Turkmenistan have historically enjoyed strong ties. In recent years, he said, relations have entered a new phase, with both sides eager to expand cooperation across various sectors.
Meredov identified three key areas of discussion with Iran: gas exports to Iran, joint development of pressure-boosting stations and pipelines, and gas swaps via Iranian territory. He said Turkmenistan currently produces over 80 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, a significant portion of which could be exported in collaboration with Iran.
Meredov described the swift launch of the Turkmen gas swap to Turkey via Iran as a testament to strong bilateral ties. “Based on this positive experience, we can take further steps to expand relations in this field,” he said, adding that Turkmenistan has major plans for gas exports to Iran.