Turkmenistan and Iraq Discuss Gas Supplies Under SWAP Scheme

On March 5, 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani had a telephone conversation. The interlocutors warmly greeted and congratulated each other, as well as the friendly people of two countries on the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan and wished that the prayers made during this blessed month would be accepted by the Almighty. The President of Turkmenistan noted the constructive nature of bilateral relations based on mutual respect, equality and trust. He conveyed best wishes on behalf of the National Leader of Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The head of state also coveyed greetings to the President of the Republic of Iraq Abdul Latif Rashid. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani expressed gratitude for the kind words and conveyed warm greetings of President Abdul Latif Rashid to the head of state. The Prime Minister noted that the Republic of Iraq highly values the interstate relations with Turkmenistan based on the principles of friendship and brotherhood. During the conversation it was emphasized that Turkmen-Iraqi relations are currently developing on a wide range. This is based on centuries-old ties between the two peoples, who share a common history, culture and traditions. Turkmenistan and the Republic of Iraq are expanding cooperation in political-diplomatic, trade-economic, cultural-humanitarian spheres and other vectors. In this regard, the head of state expressed gratitude to the Republic of Iraq for its consistent support of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy course, which follows the permanent neutrality course, and initiatives in the framework of the UN and other international structures. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov underlined the need to intensify bilateral diplomatic relations and reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to provide comprehensive assistance in creating favorable conditions for the opening of a diplomatic mission of the Republic of Iraq in Ashgabat and its fruitful work. It was stated that Turkmenistan follows the policy of exporting its energy resources to the world markets through diversification. In this context, two years ago Turkmenistan and Iraq started cooperation in the gas sector based on the agreement on annual supply of 10 billion cubic meters of Turkmen natural gas to the Republic of Iraq under the SWAP scheme through the territory of neighboring Iran. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani confirmed the readiness of the Republic of Iraq to further intensify cooperation in this regard and said that the necessary work is carried out for this purpose. During the conversation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov informed that an International Forum is planned to be held in Ashgabat on December 12 on the occasion of the declaration of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust” by the UN General Assembly upon the initiative of Turkmenistan, as well as in honor of the 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan, and invited Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to attend this representative conference. The Iraqi Prime Minister gratefully accepted the invitation and said that he would be honored to participate in these events, and noted the importance of Turkmenistan’s international initiatives aimed at ensuring universal peace and sustainable development. In addition, the sides discussed a number of issues related to bilateral cooperation. At the end of the meeting, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani exchanged best wishes and expressed confidence that the mutually beneficial interstate dialog will continue to develop for the benefit of the friendly peoples of two countries.