TEHRAN (Iran News) In this meeting, the two top diplomats reviewed bilateral relations and consulted on ways to expand relations and cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, particularly in the economic and commercial spheres.

The two sides also discussed and exchanged views on regional developments.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Ramazan Bahrami, President of the Iran–Turkmenistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, said the exhibition is being organized under the cooperation protocols between the two countries. “Earlier this year, Turkmenistan held its own exhibition in Gorgan, and now Iran is reciprocating with this event on Turkmen soil,” he explained.

Bahrami described Turkmenistan as one of Iran’s most secure neighbors for trade development, noting its 1,200 kilometers of land and sea borders with Iran. He said the current trade volume stands at around $600 million, adding that Turkmenistan can serve as a transit and pilot hub for Iranian exports to Central Asia, China, and Russia.

Highlighting the emphasis of both presidents on expanding economic cooperation, Bahrami said the upcoming exhibition offers a valuable opportunity for Iran’s provinces to present their industrial and production capabilities. “The private sector can make the most of Turkmenistan’s market potential and its transit routes,” he said.

According to Bahrami, last year marked the beginning of a new phase in trade relations between the two countries, with close coordination between the Joint Chamber, Iran’s Embassy in Ashgabat, and Turkmenistan’s Embassy in Tehran. He expressed optimism that with active participation from the private sector and producers, the $3 billion trade target is achievable.

Inviting Iranian businesspeople to take part, he stressed that participation in the exhibition could mark a turning point in bilateral trade, investment, and economic relations.

Referring to the event as the first exhibition of Iran’s export capabilities to be held in the city of Balkanabat, Bahrami called it “a milestone in strengthening the economic partnership between the two nations.” He added that from the initial stages of planning in Golestan Province, local authorities and economic organizations worked together to ensure a well-organized and effective Iranian presence.

Bahrami emphasized Golestan’s central role in the event, noting that many members of the Chamber’s board of directors are business leaders from the province. “With its extensive capacities, Golestan can play a key role in deepening Iran–Turkmenistan commercial ties,” he said, adding that logistical and accommodation arrangements for the Iranian delegation are already complete.

“Our goal is to ensure that Iran’s participation reflects the country’s true industrial and production capabilities,” he stated. “We want Iranian pavilions to represent national quality and prestige.”

Bahrami also noted the significant growth in bilateral economic cooperation in recent years, with trade volume reaching $600 million and strong potential for further expansion. “In the past two years, extensive efforts at both national and provincial levels have yielded tangible results, now visible in events like this,” he said.

He concluded that the participating businesses are approaching the exhibition with a professional and trade-oriented outlook, seeking real partnerships rather than symbolic engagement. “This event can serve as a launchpad for showcasing the genuine potential of Iran’s private sector in the region,” he remarked.

“With the coordination between the Golestan Governor’s Office, the Iran–Turkmenistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, and other relevant agencies,” Bahrami affirmed, “we are confident that this exhibition will be held in a dignified and impactful manner, befitting the Islamic Republic of Iran. It will also reinforce Golestan Province’s pivotal role in the country’s economic diplomacy.”

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking to reporters, Tavakkoli clarified that the ongoing plan is a tariff reform, not a rate increase. He said about 88–90 percent of Iran’s population will not be impacted, as their usage falls within the national consumption standards. Based on billing data from October, 76 percent of households paid less than 10,000 tomans for gas.

“For low-income groups, gas consumption within the first tier remains free of charge,” he added, emphasizing that the reform plan is guided by justice-oriented principles aimed at curbing excessive energy use and redirecting resources toward vulnerable communities.

Tavakkoli underlined that the goal of tariff reform is not to boost government revenue, but to balance consumption and reduce energy imbalance in the residential sector. The revised structure simplifies consumption categories from 12 to 4 global-standard tiers, allowing for clearer assessment of user behavior. Only 2 percent of high-consuming households—often owners of second homes or properties with luxury heating facilities—will face higher bills.

He also revealed a major update in Iran’s climatic zoning system: the previous five-zone classification has been replaced with 1,300 independent thermal regions, ensuring fairer tariff rates based on each city’s long-term temperature data. “Five zones for a country with Iran’s climate diversity was unfair,” he said.

Tavakkoli noted that a Cabinet decree requires all government agencies to cut energy use by at least 20 percent compared to 2022 levels and maintain indoor temperatures at 20°C during winter. Citizens can report violations via the NIGC hotline 194.

He clarified that none of the tariff adjustments are intended to raise state income, as all resulting funds will be allocated to about 500,000 low-income families supported by the Welfare Organization and the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee.

Discussing broader initiatives, Tavakkoli announced a national plan to modernize heating systems, including replacing outdated gas heaters with energy-efficient models. So far, contracts for 1.725 million units have been signed, and 300,000 installations are expected to be completed by the end of this year, with full implementation by 2026.”Russia ”

He highlighted that these measures will cut energy waste, create thousands of jobs in manufacturing and installation, and strengthen Iran’s energy security.

Tavakkoli also confirmed that gas storage facilities in Sarajeh and Shourijeh are at their highest capacity in history, with liquid fuel reserves also at exceptional levels—reflecting better energy management and coordination across the Oil Ministry’s subsidiaries.

Emphasizing Iran’s regional strategy, he stated: “Our gas diplomacy with Russia and Turkmenistan has never stopped. We continue regular negotiations on gas imports, exports, and joint projects to enhance regional energy synergy and security.”

Tavakkoli concluded that the company’s main objective this year is to address energy imbalances through efficiency, ensuring stable gas supply to industries and supporting Iran’s industrial growth.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking to Iran Chamber Online, Ramadan Bahrami highlighted the “stable and friendly” nature of Iran’s trade relations with Turkmenistan, stressing that despite regional and international tensions, private sector cooperation between the two countries has consistently grown.

“This year, the first Turkmenistan exhibition was held in Iran, showcasing the country’s industrial and commercial capabilities,” Bahrami said, noting that around 60 Turkmen companies participated and several contracts were signed with Iranian businesses.

According to Bahrami, trade between the two countries amounted to just $6 million last year, but a series of upcoming trade delegations is expected to significantly boost this figure. Iranian delegations from Razavi Khorasan and Golestan provinces will soon visit Turkmenistan, while five Turkmen trade missions are scheduled to travel to Iran.

Bahrami emphasized that such exchanges are vital to expanding economic ties but criticized the lack of sufficient government support. “Our only real backing comes from the Chamber of Commerce. Unfortunately, the government has not played its supportive role effectively,” he said.

He called on government experts to trust the private sector in major projects in fields such as energy, petrochemicals, construction, and road development. “Decisions should not be made without consulting the private sector, only for us to learn about them later through Turkmen counterparts,” he added.

The Iranian official praised cooperation from both Iran’s embassy in Ashgabat and Turkmenistan’s embassy in Tehran, describing diplomatic support as “very constructive.”

With more than 1,200 kilometers of shared land and sea borders, four official border crossings, and additional trade routes through northern Iranian ports such as Bandar Anzali, Bahrami believes the two countries have significant untapped potential.

“Taking advantage of these opportunities, alongside expanding trade delegations, we have set a goal of reaching $3 billion in trade within three years,” he said.

However, he warned that restrictive government regulations remain a major obstacle. “To achieve this target, the government must avoid unnecessary interference and parallel activities that undermine the private sector. If they trust us and let us work, we will definitely achieve this goal.”

Bahrami also pointed to challenges in financial transactions and barter mechanisms but stressed that the private sector is finding its own solutions. “The Turkmen government is eager to strengthen relations with Iran, but when unqualified actors are pushed into major projects, it damages trust in our private sector. That is something we must prevent,” he concluded.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Sadegh shared details of her visit, which included participation in the “Year of Peace and Trust” conference, a gathering focused on children’s rights and future prospects. The conference was held in Turkmenistan, with the presence of several ministers from various countries and the Deputy President of Turkmenistan. Sadegh highlighted that the conference coincided with Quds Day in Iran, underscoring the importance of children’s rights in all territories, including Gaza and Palestine.

Sadegh emphasized that children in Gaza and Palestine have the same rights as those in any other country, and this was a central theme of discussions during the conference. The Iranian minister reiterated the commitment to advocating for these rights globally.

In addition to her conference participation, Sadegh met with Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister and Minister of Transport to discuss bilateral cooperation. The discussions led to key agreements, including the organization of a joint economic commission meeting in Tehran within the next two months. This meeting aims to bring many of the discussed agreements to fruition.

Among the critical points discussed were the transfer of gas and electricity, the export of technical and engineering services, and the construction of the Atrak-Gomdag road, which will be undertaken by an Iranian contractor and will begin shortly.

One of the major agreements was the expansion of cargo transportation between the two nations. Currently, fewer than 200 wagons are exchanged via rail, but the new accord will boost this number to 400 wagons, facilitating a significant increase in trade and cargo movement.

Moreover, the ministers agreed on the launch of a trial passenger train service. Following a technical evaluation, a passenger train route will be established between Mashhad-Sarakhs in Iran and Merv in Turkmenistan, which will eventually extend to Uzbekistan. This development is expected to enhance connectivity in the region and foster stronger ties between the two countries.

Sadegh expressed her hope that the upcoming joint economic commission meeting would further strengthen Iran’s relations with Turkmenistan and other Central Asian nations, contributing to greater regional cooperation and economic growth.

Meanwhile in a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development announced the upcoming joint economic commission between the two countries, which will be hosted in Tehran in May. They discussed transportation cooperation and the export of technical-engineering services.

Sadegh also met with the daughter of Turkmenistan’s leader and Rashid Meredov, the country’s Foreign Minister. The two sides discussed transportation cooperation, as well as technical-engineering services and their export.

Discussions regarding electricity, gas, and energy with Turkmenistan were also among the topics exchanged by officials from both Iran and Turkmenistan.

Additionally, there are ongoing talks for further collaboration in transit corridors, as well as in the railway, road, and other transportation sectors in Turkmenistan.

It is worth mentioning that today, officials from both countries reviewed various areas of cooperation in all economic and commercial sectors. The schedule for the joint commission was also determined during this meeting.

According to the decisions made, the joint economic commission between Iran and Turkmenistan is scheduled to be held in the last week of May in Tehran. During this commission, the roadmap for transportation cooperation between the two countries, the roadmap for the development of technical and engineering cooperation, and the cooperation plan for energy will be discussed and agreed upon.

In these meetings, efforts will be made to sign new cooperation agreements in addition to the joint commission document on the specified areas of cooperation.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The talks focused on developing a legal framework for JTZs, promoting cross-border trade, enhancing economic collaboration, and drafting a roadmap for implementation. Sylabbardy Nurberdyev, ECO Deputy Secretary-General, outlined Turkmenistan’s proposal for the initiative, emphasizing its potential to deepen economic relations among member states. “The establishment of a joint trade zone will serve as a cornerstone for stronger economic bonds within the ECO region,” he stated.

Officials from both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing regional trade through a structured and legally sound framework. Discussions also highlighted the importance of attracting investment, streamlining cross-border commerce, and improving logistics in the designated trade zone. The meeting concluded with an agreement to finalize the ECO-proposed draft, laying the groundwork for a bilateral accord and identifying a potential JTZ along the Iran-Turkmenistan border.

Technical insights were provided by directors from the transport, communications, and trade sectors, as well as the ECO Secretariat’s legal advisor. The initiative reflects a broader push to strengthen economic integration among ECO members, with Iran and Turkmenistan poised to lead the effort. This development marks a significant step toward enhancing regional connectivity and prosperity.

The ECO, headquartered in Tehran, continues to serve as a platform for fostering cooperation among its ten member states across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) President Masoud Pezeshkian has held meetings with senior officials from Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Sudan in separate meetings in Tehran, which was held on the sidelines of the 3rd Caspian Economic Forum, where the expansion of mutual ties was a key topic of discussion.

During his meeting with Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Ali Asadov on Tuesday, President Pezeshkian emphasized that political borders should not limit the deep relationship between the two countries. He also called for using the ongoing forum to strengthen cooperation, build consensus, and enhance economic, scientific, and cultural exchanges.

In a discussion with Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, President Pezeshkian highlighted the cultural and historical commonalities between the two nations, advocating for the enhancement of the bilateral relationship. He also expressed hope that both sides would prioritize the implementation of mutual agreements.

Addressing Turkmenistan’s Deputy Head of Cabinet of Ministers Hojamyrat Geldimyradow, President Pezeshkian expressed that Tehran is eager to expand ties and trade exchanges with Ashgabat.

During his meeting with Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Ahmed Al-Sharif, President Pezeshkian said that Iran gives importance to its relations with the African country and that the Islamic Republic is ready to work on expanding these ties.

The high-ranking officials from Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Sudan also expressed their countries’ willingness to enhance cooperation with Iran.

The two-day forum aims to explore ways to boost economic and commercial collaboration among the littoral states of the Caspian Sea.

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Mehrdad Bazrpash made the remarks in a meeting with Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedow in Ashgabat on Friday, prior to the two countries’ 17th Joint Economic Committee meeting.

In the meeting, Bazrpash elaborated on the “Iran Way Initiative” made by the current Iranian government.

As the minister said, the Iran Way Initiative lets the neighboring countries use Iran as a route or a solution that facilitates their access to international waters.

He went on to say that Turkmenistan has a special position in this initiative.

Earlier that day, Bazrpash attended the opening ceremony of a specialized exhibition of the achievements of the Iranian companies called “Iran Project” in Turkmenistan’s capital.

Speaking on the sidelines of the mentioned event, Bazrpash said the trade between Iran and Turkmenistan is expected to reach $1.0 billion in the near future.

He put the current level of trade between the two sides at $500 million, saying: “Today, in the negotiation with the president of Turkmenistan, it was mentioned that with the potential that exists on the Iranian side and the wide border that exists between Turkmenistan and Iran, this number can increase quickly.”

Later that day, at the opening ceremony of the two countries’ 17th Joint Economic Committee meeting, Bazrpash expressed Iran’s readiness to export technical and engineering services to Turkmenistan, saying:

Iran Way Initiative is the gateway to Iran’s land of transit opportunities.

He said the committee meeting is a turning point in the path of strengthening and developing all-round economic relations between the two countries.

The minister emphasized that the relations between the two countries are based on civilizational, historical, cultural, social, ethnic, and religious ties and geopolitical and geo-economic neighborliness.

According to the official, considering the successful diplomatic and economic relations based on common capacities and interests, the two countries’ relations go beyond neighborhood.

With joint initiatives, the position of the two countries as strategic and reliable partners can be strengthened and improved day by day, he said.

“Among these initiatives in the field of transport, logistics, and transit is the Iran Way initiative which was launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran in regional and extra-regional economic, commercial, and transit events and meetings, including the recent meeting of the ECO transport ministers that took place in Tashkent,” Bazrpahs elaborated.

On the second day of the Joint Economic Committee meeting on Saturday, Bazrpash and Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, who are the heads of the mentioned committee, held talks to exchange final views on the agreements reached between the two sides during the event.

In this meeting, the two sides reviewed the issues raised in the committee meeting and the finalized documents for signing.

Later on Saturday, the two officials attended an Iran-Turkmenistan business forum, in which the private sectors of the two countries explored avenues of mutual cooperation.

Speaking in this forum, Bazrpash referred to the flourishing of commercial relations between Iran and Turkmenistan, and said: “We hope to witness the conclusion of several commercial contracts between the sides.”

Meredov for his part expressed his country’s interest in developing relations with Iran proposed the creation of a joint economic zone and invited Iranian companies to participate in Turkmenistan’s projects.

Iran and Turkmenistan have called for developing mutual customs ties during a meeting between the customs officials of the two countries in early March.

During the meeting, the Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) Mohammad Rezvani-Far, and the head of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan Maksat Hudaykulyev stressed the need for launching a joint customs gate.

The officials discussed major issues in two rounds of meetings. The first round was held at Khorasan Razavi Customs, and the second round was held at Hudan Customs of Turkmenistan.

Boosting cooperation and trade in four customs borders, establishing joint border customs, signing a memorandum on training, holding regular joint meetings between the two sides, enhancing border markets, and removal of restrictions were among the topics discussed during these meetings.

Pointing out that the 13th government pays special attention to the development of economic and border interactions with neighboring countries, Rezvani-Far said that the development of economic interactions, especially with neighboring countries, is a top priority for the incumbent government in Iran.

Calling for strengthening economic ties with Turkmenistan, he highlighted that the two states’ economic cooperation would multiply the volume of trade between the two countries.

Also in mid-February, senior officials from Iran and Turkmenistan’s oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors held talks on the sidelines of the Islamic Republic’s 14th special exhibition in Ashgabat, to explore avenues of mutual cooperation.

Headed by Deputy Oil Minister for Engineering, Research, and Technology Vahid-Reza Zeidifard, the Iranian delegation met and discussed cooperation in various areas with the representatives of Turkmenistan’s national oil, gas, and petrochemical companies in separate meetings.

Speaking in the meeting with the deputy head of Turkmenistan’s national gas company Türkmengaz, Zeidifard introduced the capabilities of Iranian companies active in the oil industry and emphasized the development and cooperation between the two countries.

Pointing to the fact that over 70 percent of the equipment and items used in the Iranian oil industry are manufactured by domestic producers, the official proposed to help Turkmenistan by supplying the country with such equipment.

Expressing the Islamic Republic’s readiness for building refineries, developing oil and gas fields, and supplying high-quality parts and equipment at a competitive price to the Turkmen parties, he invited the oil and gas officials of Turkmenistan to visit Iran to get familiar with the capabilities of the country’s oil industry.

The Turkmen side for his part welcomed the presence of Iranian companies, especially from the Oil Ministry, in that exhibition, expressing hope that the cooperation between the two friendly and brotherly countries would develop.

In another meeting, the vice president of the country’s national oil company Türkmennebit underlined the Iranian oil industry’s ability and capacity, saying: “We will be happy to see the names of more Iranian companies in Turkmenistan in the near future.”

The representative of Turkmenistan’s state chemical company Turkmenhimiya also said in his meeting with the Iranian delegation that very good suggestions have been made for cooperation between the two sides and the company is eager to cooperate with Iran’s National Petrochemical Company (NPC) for the benefit of both countries.

At the end of the meetings, it was decided that the Turkmen parties should provide Iran with a list of the equipment and parts needed by their oil industry through diplomatic authorities so that the Iranian side could take action to supply them.

Meanwhile, in mid-February, Iranian Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare Solat Mortazavi said Tehran and Ashgabat have set it on the agenda to expand cooperation for the development of transportation infrastructure in order to increase trade exchanges.

Mortazavi made the remarks following a meeting with Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashit Owezgeldiyewich Meredow.

Speaking in that meeting, Mortazavi said the two countries have historical, cultural, and religious roots and commonalities that can facilitate economic cooperation.

The 13th government and President Ebrahim Raisi’s special foreign policy approach is paying special attention to the neighbors, the official said.

“We follow developing relations with Turkmenistan more sensitively”, he stated, adding that cooperation between the two countries should be developed in all fields, especially in the economic and infrastructure areas.

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“We are interested in sending students to study in Iran,” he said, adding that due to the importance of scientific issues, various scientific and technological fields can also be included.

He made the remarks in a meeting in Tehran with the deputy science minister Hashem Dadashpour, ISNA reported.

Unfortunately, there has been no special cooperation between the two countries in the academic field, he pointed out.

“Due to the fact that we cannot fully provide education for all students in Turkmenistan, students always travel to other countries to study.”

There are many opportunities that we have not used so far. The intergovernmental commission of Turkmenistan and Iran is being formed to intensify bilateral relations, the envoy highlighted.

“We intend to have extensive activities in the field of youth and in this regard, we intend to cooperate with Iran in the field of science and technology,” he concluded.

The Iranian official, for his part, said that “We can create conditions for the students of Turkmenistan, to study in Iranian universities based on their interest in different fields.”

The development of scientific and technological cooperation between Iran and Turkmenistan will lead to the growth of science in the region, Dadashpour said.

Holding exhibitions on higher education achievements in the field of science and technology is one of the ways for bilateral scientific cooperation, he noted.

Professors and students of Turkmenistan can visit Iran to learn the Persian language and benefit from research and educational opportunities, he concluded.

Iran is among the 15 successful countries in attracting international students, according to Mohammad Javad Salmanpour, the deputy head of the Organization for Student Affairs.

“We have the ability and capacity to have more than 250,000 foreign students by 2026,” he stated.

Currently, nearly 100,000 foreign nationals are studying in Iran, more than 90 percent of whom are from Iraq and Afghanistan and the rest are from other countries.

These students are studying in different fields of science, research and technology, health and medical education, and also in the fields of humanities, Islamic sciences, Persian language and literature, law, fundamentals of Islamic law, management fields, economics, psychology, social sciences, as well as engineering, agricultural sciences, animal sciences, and basic sciences.

In December 2022, Dadashpour said the number of foreign students will double in Iranian universities in the next three years.

Universities should increase their interactions and scientific exchanges in order to attract international students and accelerate internationalization in the region and the world, he highlighted.

Iranian universities achieved good ranks at the global level and based on the evaluations of the world’s most prestigious institutions so that there is the capacity to attract international students, he said.

He mentioned holding the cultural and sports Olympiad for international students as a way to make them more aware of Iran’s capabilities.

According to the latest edition of the best global universities ranking released by U. S. News, 52 Iranian institutions were ranked among the best institutions worldwide.

Fifty-eight universities from Iran were listed among the top universities in Asia, according to the 2022 Asia University Rankings of the Times Higher Education.

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