Paknejad said the annual ministerial meeting aims to address key organizational issues, including the election of a new secretary-general to coordinate the forum’s policies and activities. The discussions come at a time of heightened uncertainty in the global gas market, declining investment, and mounting challenges for gas-exporting nations, he noted.

“Iran, as the initiator and founder of the GECF, has always played an active role in ministerial sessions,” Paknejad said. “At this meeting, we will present proposals and initiatives that serve the collective, long-term interests of member states.” He added that strengthening unity among members and enhancing bilateral cooperation in oil and gas would be central themes of the gathering.

 Intense diplomatic meetings in Doha

The oil minister said he held a series of high-level talks with counterparts from Nigeria, Libya, Algeria and Qatar ahead of the ministerial session.

In a meeting with Nigerian Gas Resources Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo, the two sides discussed their countries’ vast gas and petrochemical potential and explored ways to expand cooperation. They also exchanged views on how to enhance the GECF’s role in the international energy landscape and on selecting the best candidate for the post of secretary-general.

Paknejad said his meeting with Libya’s Oil and Gas Minister Khalifa Rajab Abdul Sadiq included discussions on energy efficiency, Iran’s discovery of new gas reserves, and the progress of its oil industry despite sanctions. The two ministers also reviewed prospects for technical cooperation in oil and gas.

The Libyan minister, who chairs the 27th GECF ministerial session, briefed Paknejad on the meeting’s agenda and his country’s candidacy for the secretary-general position.

 Backing a capable secretary-general

Paknejad also met with Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Mines Mohamed Arkab. During what he called a “warm and friendly” discussion, Arkab expressed admiration for the Iranian people’s resilience and condemned recent attacks by the Israeli regime. He praised Iran’s advances in energy equipment manufacturing despite years of sanctions, calling them a source of pride for the Islamic world.

The two sides discussed expanding cooperation between Iran and Algeria in the oil and gas industry and strengthening the GECF’s institutional role. Paknejad invited Arkab to visit Iran to explore opportunities for investment and joint projects.

In another meeting with Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, the two ministers highlighted the close and brotherly ties between their countries and reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation in the energy sector. They also exchanged views on elevating the GECF’s global standing and the selection of its next secretary-general.

Paknejad stressed the importance of supporting a competent, professional and capable individual to lead the forum’s secretariat — someone who can effectively represent and advance the shared interests of member nations on the international stage.