The summit, with the theme of "Energy Security in the World", officially started by the speech of the Emir of Qatar and in presence of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and presidents and representatives of the GECF member states.

The meeting is attended by the presidents, prime ministers and energy ministers of Iran, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, and observer members including Azerbaijan, Iraq, Malaysia, Norway, Peru and the United Arab Emirates.

Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi, is due to deliver a speech at the summit.

The GECF member states account for 45 percent of world gas trade and 65 percent of proven global gas reserves.

The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) was established in 2001 in Tehran. Since the establishment of the forum, 23 meetings have been held at ministerial level and five meetings at the level of heads of state.

Iran, one of the world’s largest holders of proven natural gas reserves, is a leading countries in gas sector with 338 thousand kilometers of internal gas supply network and it can be the most desirable option for gas transmission to east and west due to its geographical location and existing infrastructure.