The 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian Commission on Economic Cooperation was held on 19-20 May 2025 in Tehran, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The event was attended by representatives of relevant agencies and business circles of the two countries. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

The commission was co-chaired by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd.

The meeting addressed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation - from political and diplomatic, trade and economic to humanitarian aspects. Particular attention was paid to the elaboration of new areas of partnership and strengthening of the existing co-operation mechanisms.

The sides reaffirmed the importance of the Commission's activities as a key instrument for the practical implementation of previously reached agreements. Among the priority topics of discussion are trade, transport and logistics cooperation, cooperation in the gas sector, industry, agriculture and water management, investment and standardisation. The implementation of the decisions taken at the previous meeting was also analysed.

The Turkmen side came up with an initiative to create trade and economic zones in the border areas, which, according to the participants, will give an additional impetus to the development of trade turnover.

In addition, the sides discussed prospects for cooperation in science and education, culture and healthcare, tourism, sports and environmental protection. The sides had a thorough exchange of views on topical issues on the bilateral agenda.

Following the results of the meeting, the Protocol of the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Iranian Commission on Economic Cooperation was signed.

The source notes that the participants expressed confidence that the agreements reached will contribute to further strengthening of constructive dialogue and promotion of strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Iran.