On Tuesday evening, Mohsen Paknejad met with Rashid Meredov, Turkmen FM, during his visit to Tehran.

Paknejad expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties, stating, “In the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, constructive engagement with neighboring countries, especially Turkmenistan as a friendly and brotherly nation, holds significant importance.”

Paknejad highlighted that during the 14th Iranian administration and following the election of President Masoud Pezeshkian, the development of economic relations, particularly in oil and gas, became a priority.

He noted that this focus was reiterated during discussions between Iran’s president and Turkmenistan’s national leader during the summer visit to Ashgabat, as well as in recent phone conversations between the two leaders.

Iran as Turkmenistan’s second gas partner

Meredov, during the meeting, congratulated Iran on the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution and noted the historically strong ties between the two nations.

He stated, “Iran and Turkmenistan have always enjoyed good relations, and in recent years, these ties have taken on a new dimension, with both countries eager to expand cooperation in various sectors.”

Meredov referenced the recent phone conversation between Turkmenistan’s national leader and Iran’s president, emphasizing that strategic issues for expanding cooperation, including in electricity, gas, and transportation, were discussed. He added, “These discussions can help deepen bilateral cooperation.”

The Turkmen FM underscored the success of negotiations with Iran’s Oil Ministry, stating, “I always emphasize that Iran has been Turkmenistan’s second partner in gas cooperation since our independence.”

He pointed to the start of gas cooperation between the two countries in the 1990s, noting that approximately 107 billion cubic meters of gas have been exported from Turkmenistan to Iran during this period.

Meredov concluded, “These figures and projects reflect the depth of relations and the growing gas ties between Iran and Turkmenistan. Both countries have valuable experience in this field, and I believe we can take further steps to expand relations based on this positive experience.”