Mohammed Hamel made the remark during his visit to the 28th Iran International Oil, Gas, ‎Refining and ‎Petrochemical Exhibition, also known as Iran Oil Show 2024, accompanied by Iran’s Deputy Petroleum Minister for International Affairs and Trade Ahmad Asadzadeh.

Speaking during this visit, Asadzadeh said the Department of International Affairs and Trading of Iran’s Ministry of Petroleum is planning to hold the GECF’s meeting perfectly, adding, “The expansion of cooperation in the GECF could help the member countries develop LNG (liquefied natural gas) exports to global markets.”

Meanwhile, The GECF’s Secretary General said he was impressed by the potentials of the Iranian companies being showcased at the exhibition, stating, “In addition to the large number of companies participated in the exhibition, I believe that it is one of the largest oil events in the Middle East.”

The contents and variety of technologies displayed in the exhibition are remarkable, Hamel noted, adding, “What I have seen at the exhibition indicates the technological progress in Iran’s oil industry.”

many of Iran’s potentials in oil and gas industry are not known to the world. The GECF can play a significant role in making Iran’s capacities known, he noted.

Meanwhile, in an interview with SHANA on the sidelines of Iran Oil Show 2024, Hamel said Iran’s gas and petrochemical industry has achieved a new level which should be a source of pride for Iranians as it has been achieved when the country was under toughest unilateral sanctions.

Iran, a member state and a founder of the GECF, is considered a main holder of gas reserves in the world, he said, adding its production in oil and gas industry increased remarkably in 2023.

On next GECF’s ministerial meeting in 2024, he said, “Iran held the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting in Isfahan in 2007 which was one of the best OPEC’s planned meeting. Therefore, I believe Iran is able to hold the GECF’s meeting perfectly and it has our support.”

The 7th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Member Countries of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) was held in Algeria in March 2024 which was attended by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, he said, adding member countries condemned unilateral sanctions imposed against Iran as they negatively impact oil and gas industry and its investments.