Iranian oil exploration and production companies are ready to cooperate in upstream and downstream sectors of Tajikistan's oil and gas industry, Iran’s Minister of Petroleum Mohsen Paknejad announced.

According to The Iran Project, he made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Tajikistan's Minister of Energy and Water Resources Daler Juma in Tehran.

The Iranian oil minister pointed to the cultural, linguistic, civilizational and historical commonalities between the two countries, and stated that development of economic relations, especially in the field of energy, with the friendly and brotherly country of Tajikistan is very important for Iran.

Effective steps have already been taken to develop economic relations between the two countries, and hopefully the process will be strengthened in the administration of President Pezeshkian, Paknejad emphasized.

Highlighting Iran's strong ability to participate in Tajikistan's energy market, the Iranian oil minister said competent Iranian exploration and production (E&P) companies are also ready to participate in the oil and gas market of this Central Asian country.

For his part, Tajikistan's energy and water resources minister emphasized that his country pays special attention to the development of economic cooperation with Iran, especially in purchasing oil and gas.

Juma added that trade between Iran and Tajikistan was $300 million in 2023, and according to forecasts, it seems that this amount will grow by 60% by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (ends on March 20, 2025).