Tehran – Iran View 24 | May 21, 2025
In a high-level meeting held Tuesday in Tehran, Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov discussed expanding energy ties and enhancing bilateral trade, as part of the ongoing agenda of the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Commission.
Minister Paknejad emphasised that Iran’s foreign policy prioritises engagement with neighbouring nations, especially Turkmenistan, which he described as a “friendly and brotherly country.” He reiterated the Iranian government’s commitment to strengthening energy cooperation, particularly in the natural gas sector.
A key highlight of the meeting was the rapid implementation of a gas swap deal, which allows Turkmen gas to be transported to Turkey via Iran. Paknejad expressed hope that other energy projects, including direct gas imports from Turkmenistan, would advance with the same efficiency.
Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov described the long-standing relations between the two countries as entering a new phase of strategic cooperation. He identified three priority areas for future collaboration:
-
Gas exports to Iran
-
Joint development of pressure-boosting stations and pipelines
-
Gas swaps to third countries using Iranian transit routes
According to Meredov, Turkmenistan produces over 80 billion cubic meters of gas annually, with a significant portion available for export through regional partnerships, including with Iran.
He praised the swift launch of the recent gas transit project to Turkey, calling it a “positive model” for future ventures. “Building on this success, Turkmenistan has ambitious plans for boosting gas exports to Iran and beyond,” Meredov added.
The meeting reflects both nations’ growing emphasis on energy diplomacy, trade facilitation, and regional connectivity.
