Iran Boosts Energy Transit Role in West Asia

According to SAEDNEWS, Iran is positioned to be an important gateway for energy trade and transit in West Asia, according to Iranian Minister of Petroleum Mohsen Paknejad.

Paknejad made this statement during a meeting on Monday with Mohamed Hamel, the Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), who is in Tehran to prepare for the forum's 26th Ministerial Meeting scheduled for late October.

He emphasized that Iran is a founding member of the GECF and views the upcoming meeting in Tehran as a positive sign for the new administration. "Just as the first Ministerial Meeting of the forum was held in Tehran in 2001 and brought positive outcomes for the members, it is expected that this meeting with maximum participation will also yield valuable collective achievements," he said.

During the discussion, Paknejad pointed out the significance of the GECF, particularly in light of global gas market conditions and energy crises. He urged for special support for the GECF Secretariat so that it can help stabilize global energy security with the cooperation of its members.

He noted Iran’s strategic location allows it to act as a crossroads for energy trade in the region. He said, “Given its geopolitical position, Iran can play the role of a crossroad for energy trade and transit in the region.”

He also highlighted the importance of natural gas in energy security and climate goals, mentioning that the GECF could play a vital role in upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) discussions.

Paknejad thanked the GECF Secretariat for their recent initiatives, including the establishment of the Gas Research Institute (GRI), which he believes will foster cooperation among member countries in technology and education.

Finally, he expressed optimism about collaboration between the GECF Secretariat and Iran’s Research Institute of Petroleum Industry, particularly in emerging fields like hydrogen and artificial intelligence. He aims for the upcoming Ministerial Meeting to be effective and fruitful.

The 26th Ministerial Meeting of the GECF will take place in Tehran in late October.