Minister Bayraktar: Türkiye needs Iranian gas

Türkiye’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has said that his country depends on gas supplies from Iran and hopes they will continue for years to come.

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Bayraktar described Iran as a key energy partner, noting its role as a major supplier to the Turkish market, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

“Iran is one of the most important suppliers of gas to Türkiye. In the past, it was among the top exporters of oil to us, but now they are supplying gas,” he said.

“We hope and expect that these gas deliveries will continue in the coming years and decades, because we need this gas,” he added.

Note that the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is currently taking place from June 18 to 21 under the theme "Shared Values – The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World."

The event, hosted at Expoforum, features around 150 sessions across five thematic tracks, exploring global economic growth, technological leadership, sustainability, and the future of humanity.

President Vladimir Putin is expected to address the plenary session on June 20. This year’s guest country is Bahrain, with 19 international business panels—including Russia’s cooperation with China, India, Iran, Africa, and the EU—scheduled alongside key events like the SPIEF Academy and Junior Forum.

Over 10,000 delegates from more than 100 nations are attending, including business leaders, officials, and economists.

The forum’s practical agenda continues to centre on signing investment agreements, with the 2024 total having reached 6.5 trillion rubles.

A cultural programme, including the “St. Petersburg Seasons” festival, complements the economic discussions, while the Roscongress Foundation remains the chief organiser.

Title partners include Rosatom and VEB.RF, with Aeroflot as the official airline and Tank—by Great Wall Motor—as the forum’s official vehicle.

By Aghakazim Guliyev