Tehran, (TDI): Iran and Tajikistan have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing energy cooperation.
In a meeting held in Tehran, Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and Tajikistan’s Minister of Energy and Water Resources Daler Juma discussed strategies for expanding mutual collaboration.
During the meeting, Minister Paknejad highlighted the readiness of capable Iranian companies to engage in both upstream and downstream activities within Tajikistan and Central Asia’s oil industry.
He underscored the importance of bolstering economic relations with Tajikistan, emphasizing the cultural, linguistic, civilizational, and historical ties shared by the two nations.
Paknejad noted that significant steps have already been taken to enhance economic relations, with further strengthening anticipated in the future.
He mentioned that Iranian exploration and production companies are well-prepared to enter the oil and gas markets of Tajikistan and Central Asia.
Minister Juma, for his part, emphasized the need to develop bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in the oil and gas sectors.
Bilateral Trade
He said that trade exchanges between Iran and Tajikistan reached $300 million in 2023, with forecasts indicating a potential 60 percent increase this year.
Juma pointed out that enhancing trade in crude oil and petroleum products could significantly boost overall trade exchanges, expressing hope that preparations for expanding trade in the oil and gas sector would be made during an upcoming visit by Iran’s president to Tajikistan.
He added that Tajikistan relies heavily on imports to meet its daily crude oil and petroleum product needs, noting that the country operates two oil refineries with a combined refining capacity of 500,000 tons per year to ensure energy security.
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“We are keen on having Iranian companies actively participate in Tajikistan’s domestic market,” Juma stated.
Additionally, the Tajik minister expressed gratitude for Iran’s efforts in training specialists in Tajikistan’s oil and gas industry, requesting further assistance for advanced training programs.
He also urged the deployment of Iranian knowledge-based companies’ capabilities for exploration, development, and production in Tajikistan’s oil and gas fields.
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Juma formally invited Minister Paknejad and Iranian oil industry experts to visit Tajikistan to facilitate this cooperation.
In conclusion, Iran’s Oil Minister pledged maximum assistance and collaboration with Tajikistan’s Ministry of Energy and Water Resources to foster stronger ties in the energy sector.
