Iran and Turkmenistan Hold Talks on Border Cooperation

Officials from Iran and Turkmenistan met at the Lotfabad border terminal to discuss extending its operational hours, enhancing the geometric curve of the land route, and the need for dual-lane construction to improve road traffic, according to the Iranian Embassy in Turkmenistan.

The meeting was attended by delegations from the Dargaz governorate, border guards, customs, and road and rail services of both countries, as well as the Embassy of Iran in Turkmenistan, The Caspian Post reports, citing Trend.

Earlier, the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a meeting with Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during his visit to Ashgabat on December 12. President Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to strengthening communication and cooperation with Turkmenistan.

Iran and Turkmenistan enhance their border cooperation through economic, energy, and transport links across their 1000+ km border, focusing on trade via rail corridors like INSTC and energy deals including gas and electricity. Key cooperation areas include gas and electricity exchanges, railway expansion, customs improvements, border security, and cultural ties. Recent developments include plans for border zone expansion, cargo diversification, and preparations for the 2026 Caspian Sea summit, underscoring mutual growth and regional stability despite some transit fluctuations.