Tehran, Kabul Pledge Closer Collaboration on Energy Projects

Iran’s oil minister and Afghanistan’s minister of mines and petroleum stressed the need to expand bilateral cooperation in oil and gas, discussing ways to enhance collaboration.

Mohsen Paknejad met with Hidayatullah Badri, Afghanistan’s minister of mines and petroleum, on Tuesday, noting that relations between the two countries are based on brotherhood and mutual interests. Paknejad stated that the Iranian government’s policy is to deepen economic ties, particularly in oil and gas, with neighboring nations.

Highlighting the significant capabilities of Iranian state and private companies in exploration, development and production of oil and gas fields, Paknejad said Iran is ready to cooperate with Afghanistan in oil, gas, refining and petrochemicals, given Afghanistan’s needs. He added that current bilateral relations in this field do not match existing potential.

The Iranian oil minister emphasized Iran’s expertise in exporting petrochemical products, workforce training, gas exports and developing Afghanistan’s CNG industry.

Afghanistan seeks collaboration with Iranian NTBFs

Badri, in turn, pointed to the cultural and historical ties between the two countries, noting that their shared border and geographic position could facilitate regional connectivity and trade with each other and other nations.

He mentioned Afghanistan’s five sedimentary and exploratory oil and gas basins, stressing the need for exploration operations. Badri said Iranian new technology-based firms (NTBFs) possess the necessary expertise to explore, develop and produce from potential and newly discovered oil and gas fields in Afghanistan. - Shana