Tehran, IRNA – Iran will pursue closer gas cooperation with Russia and other members of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), focusing on field development, gas exchanges, and coordination of export policies, Acting Oil Minister Hamid Bovard says.
Speaking on Sunday before departing for the Eighth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Moscow, Bovard said Iran would present its positions at the meeting and hold bilateral talks with relevant ministers to discuss cooperation.
He said participants should address the protection of energy infrastructure during wars, expand gas exchanges and explore the creation of a common market and coordinated international export policies.
Bovard added that Iran maintained good relations with Russian energy companies, had signed contracts with them for field development and was holding talks on gas exchanges.
He traveled to Moscow to accompany the Iranian president at the summit and attend the forum’s 28th ministerial meeting, scheduled for Monday, one day before the heads of state and government’s gathering.
The GECF Executive Board meeting was also scheduled for Sunday under the chairmanship of Deputy Oil Minister for International Affairs and Trade Ali-Mohammad Mousavi. The ad hoc meeting of senior officials will also be held on the same day. Finalizing key documents, including the summit’s final declaration, was among their main tasks.
The intergovernmental forum brings together gas-producing and exporting countries to discuss market developments, energy security, supply and demand, liquefied natural gas trends and investment needs.
Its 12 full members collectively hold about 70 percent of the world’s proven natural gas reserves, account for 38 percent of commercial gas production and 42 percent of global gas exports.
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https://en.irna.ir/news/86302320/Iran-to-pursue-gas-talks-with-GECF-member-states-at-Moscow-summit