Participating via videoconference in the 13th St. Petersburg International Gas Forum on Tuesday,  Saeid Tavakoli highlighted Iran’s significant role due to its capacity to produce over one billion cubic meters of gas daily and its extensive distribution and export network, as well as its ability to supply energy to regional countries. 

He elaborated on Iran’s position as a key energy supplier in the region and the world, stating that Iran is the sole supplier of natural gas to Iraq and a major supplier to Turkey, with plans to expand gas exports and trade with both countries.

The Deputy Minister of Petroleum emphasized that Russia and Iran, as the first and second largest holders of gas reserves globally, could play a major role in supplying clean energy through cooperation. 

According to him, a successful example of such collaboration was the formation of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), that established through joint efforts of Iran and Russia along with other gas-exporting countries.

He also expressed hope that this forum would play a major role in the gas market and maximize the benefits for exporting countries.

Tavakoli stressed Iran’s unique position at the center of the North-South corridor, noting that this position provides a suitable opportunity to facilitate gas supply through multilateral agreements, swaps, and transit to other countries, in cooperation with other nations including Russia. 

The CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) identified the target countries in this corridor as Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, India, and the southern Persian Gulf countries. 

Tavakoli expressed hope that a previously signed gas agreement between Iran and Russia would yield positive results for both countries and their neighbors, marking the beginning of an effective regional cooperation.