Bovard, who traveled to Russia to accompany President Masoud
Pezeshkian at the summit, said Iran would hold bilateral talks with oil and
energy ministers from member countries on expanding cooperation and energy
exchanges.
Key priorities include protecting energy infrastructure
during wars and crises, increasing gas trade among exporting countries and
exploring ways to establish a common gas market, Bovard said, according to
Shana, the Oil Ministry’s news service.
Iran also plans to encourage greater coordination among gas
exporters in developing common policies on natural gas exports, he added.
On relations with Russia, Bovard said the two countries
maintained strong energy ties, with Russian companies involved in the
development of several Iranian oil and gas fields. Negotiations on bilateral
gas exchanges are also under way, he said.
Bovard expressed hope that the visit would help advance
cooperation and expand energy trade between Tehran and Moscow.
The GECF’s 28th ministerial meeting is scheduled for Monday,
a day before the leaders’ summit. Preparatory meetings on Sunday are expected
to focus on finalizing key documents, including the summit’s final declaration.
Iran is a founding member of the GECF, which brings together
major natural gas producers to discuss cooperation and developments in global
gas markets.