Iran Foreign Minister Visits Turkmenistan to Expand Trade

Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of Iran, arrived in Ashgabat on November 2, 2026, leading a diplomatic and economic delegation to strengthen bilateral relations with Turkmenistan. The visit follows a phone conversation on October 26 between Araghchi and Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov focused on regional stability and the de-escalation of tensions.

Talks between the two nations center on expanding electricity imports from Turkmenistan to northern Iran and establishing energy swap deals. Both countries are also exploring the use of the Caspian Sea as a primary trade route. This diplomatic effort comes as Iran seeks to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions and trade disruptions in the Middle East.

Turkmenistan aims to increase its influence as a transit hub on the Middle Corridor, which connects China and Central Asia to Europe. The Government of Turkmenistan continues to maintain a policy of permanent neutrality while managing its energy exports to Iran.