Turkmenistan’s Ambassador discusses prospects for energy cooperation with IOGP Europe leadership

Ambassador Sapar Palvanov met with François-Régis Mouton de Lostalot, Managing Director of IOGP Europe, the European branch of the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers. The meeting was also attended by Enea Belardinelli, Policy Officer at IOGP Europe. 

IOGP Europe is a Brussels-based industry association representing leading international oil and gas producers, including Shell, BP, TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Equinor. The organisation works closely with EU institutions on energy security, energy and climate policies, and regulatory matters, advocating for the interests of the oil and gas industry and contributing to the development of European energy policy.

The meeting provided an opportunity for a substantive exchange of views on key issues related to European energy security, diversification of energy supplies, the role of natural gas in the energy transition, and prospects for expanding cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European energy sector.

Ambassador Palvanov highlighted Turkmenistan’s substantial energy potential, its consistent policy of diversifying energy export routes, and its commitment to developing long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with European counterparts. Particular attention was given to the prospects for supplying Turkmen natural gas to European markets, including the development of energy infrastructure and connectivity across the Caspian region.

Representatives of IOGP Europe underscored the importance of diversifying energy supplies to strengthen Europe’s energy security, while also recognising the continued role of natural gas in the ongoing energy transition.

The discussions also addressed methane emissions reduction, the introduction of advanced environmental technologies, and the exchange of expertise in promoting a more sustainable energy sector. In this context, Turkmenistan’s interest in expanding international cooperation and benefiting from innovative technological solutions was highlighted.

Special attention was paid to opportunities for establishing direct cooperation between IOGP Europe and the State Concern Turkmengas, as well as strengthening engagement with leading international energy companies represented within the association.

During the meeting, Ambassador Palvanov also informed his counterparts that the International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan 2026” (OGT 2026) had commenced in Turkmenistan during the same period. Highlighting the significance of OGT as an international platform for discussing major energy developments, exchanging expertise, and fostering business partnerships, the Ambassador invited IOGP Europe representatives to participate in future editions of OGT and other major energy events hosted in Turkmenistan.

They also explored opportunities for organising joint expert consultations and strengthening dialogue on energy connectivity between Central Asia and Europe.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed mutual interest in maintaining regular contacts and exploring practical avenues for cooperation aimed at strengthening energy security, facilitating professional exchanges, and further developing partnerships between Turkmenistan and the European energy community.