Turkmenistan has taken a significant step to enhance its role in regional energy supply by finalizing a deal to ship natural gas to Turkey via Iran. This agreement marks a new chapter in energy cooperation across Asia and the Middle East, as reported by the official daily Neutral Turkmenistan.
During a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the chairman of Turkmenistan's People's Council, expressed his support for the arrangement. He emphasized its importance as a milestone in the broader framework of regional energy collaboration.
The signed contract facilitates the transport of gas by Turkmenistan's state-owned Turkmengas to Turkey's BOTAS, starting March 1. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated, With this agreement, which we have been working on for many years, we will strengthen the natural gas supply security of our country and our region, while furthering the strategic cooperation between the two countries. This move solidifies Turkey's position in securing diversified gas sources, currently including pipelines from Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran.
Turkmenistan's extensive natural gas reserves play a crucial role in its economy, making energy exports a vital part of the nation's income. To date, China has been the dominant consumer of Turkmen gas, reflecting strong bilateral trade in energy resources. This new contract with Turkey and Iran showcases Turkmenistan's strategy to expand its export markets and bolster regional energy security.
The agreement follows last year's deal, where Turkmenistan consented to supply 10 billion cubic meters (353 billion cubic feet) of natural gas to Iran for further transmission to Iraq. Such agreements underline Turkmenistan's ambition to become a pivotal energy hub, linking its vast gas resources with diverse international markets.
Besides these diplomatic and economic advances, Turkmenistan is also in the process of developing a pipeline project aimed at delivering gas to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, thereby solidifying its position as a significant energy exporter in the region.
This strategic maneuver not only provides a reliable supply chain but also strengthens political ties and enhances economic stability across involved countries. The move reflects Turkmenistan's enduring commitment to contributing to regional energy sustainability and security.