Iran and Turkmenistan Boost Bilateral Cooperation in Transportation, Energy and Trade
In a series of high-level meetings during an official visit to Turkmenistan, Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development held discussions with key Turkmen counterparts, including Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and ArazDordi Sukhanov, the Minister of Transport and Communications. These discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in transportation, energy and technical-engineering services, as well as finalizing arrangements for the upcoming joint economic commission between the two countries.
During her meeting with H.E. Rashid Meredov on March 28, Minister Sadegh announced that Tehran will host the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Economic Commission in the last week of May. The commission will serve as a platform to review and finalize the roadmap for transport cooperation, technical-engineering collaboration and energy sector initiatives.
Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening ties in electricity, gas, and energy, as well as advancing mutual efforts in transit corridors, railways, road transport and other key sectors.
On the same date, Minister Sadegh also met with ArazDordi Sukhanov to specifically address issues related to road and rail transport. The discussions covered reducing road tolls, facilitating cross-border traffic, and creating combined transport platforms to enhance connectivity. The two sides reviewed a cooperative roadmap aimed at handling up to 20 million tons of transit cargo and increasing rail acceptance capacity across key areas. The officials also explored opportunities to expand transit cooperation within the framework of the TRASECA initiative.
A key focus of these meetings was on developing integrated transport solutions, including the establishment of combined transport platforms through Lotfabad and other strategic borders. Both sides exchanged views on reducing logistical barriers and improving the efficiency of transit operations, as well as on creating a more seamless flow of goods and passengers across borders.
The officials also discussed initiatives to establish direct passenger flights between cities in Iran and Turkmenistan and to increase the frequency of air travel between the two nations. Technical discussions were held on enhancing cooperation in aviation, with both sides expressing a strong commitment to fostering greater connectivity in this sector.
The upcoming joint economic commission in May is expected to yield significant outcomes, with plans to sign new cooperation documents alongside the main agreement. The roadmap for transport, technical-engineering and energy cooperation will be reviewed in detail during the commission's sessions. Both sides aim to solidify agreements that will pave the way for long-term collaboration and mutual economic growth.
This week’s meetings highlight the deepening partnership between Iran and Turkmenistan, as both nations work toward closer economic integration, improved transport connectivity and enhanced collaboration across multiple sectors. These developments underscore the strategic significance of their bilateral relationship in fostering regional trade and transit.
