Turkmenistan’s capital Ashgabat has hosted a landmark event in energy diplomacy: the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) officially opened its new office in the Arkach Business Center, signaling a major step forward in long-term cooperation between the UAE and Turkmenistan.
The ceremony, held in a warm and festive atmosphere, highlighted the UAE’s growing commitment to supporting Turkmenistan’s energy development, The Caspian Post informs via Turkmen media.
A special video presentation underscored the significance of the partnership and its future potential.
The event brought together high-level officials, including UAE Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ahmed Alhameli, ADNOC representatives such as Bassem Tadros, Director of International Asset Management and Branch Manager in Turkmenistan, as well as Turkmennebit State Concern Chairman Guvanch Agajanov.
A symbolic ribbon-cutting opened the ceremony, followed by the national anthems of both countries-underlining the diplomatic importance of the moment. Hosting the event, ADNOC’s International Business Development Manager Fares Al Balushi said the office launch marks “an important step in strengthening our partnership.”
In his address, Ambassador Ahmed Al Hameli conveyed greetings from the UAE leadership, noting that relations between the two countries are steadily expanding across various sectors.
“By direct order of the leadership of both countries, ADNOC’s presence in Turkmenistan opens a new chapter,” he said. “This office is not only a symbol of expanding cooperation but also of our shared vision for a sustainable future.”
The ambassador noted that UAE-Turkmenistan non-oil trade reached $1.76 billion in 2024, making the UAE Turkmenistan’s third-largest trading partner.
Speaking on behalf of Turkmenistan, Turkmennebit Chairman Guvanch Agajanov emphasized the mutual benefit of deepening ties with one of the world’s leading energy companies, expressing confidence that ADNOC’s presence will accelerate technology exchange and support the growth of the national oil and gas sector.
ADNOC’s Bassem Tadros delivered the closing remarks, calling the UAE-Turkmenistan partnership one built on “trust, respect, and a shared commitment to energy security and sustainable growth.”
He highlighted Turkmenistan as “one of the world’s most promising energy hubs,” pointing to its vast natural gas reserves and strategic geographic location. Tadros recalled that ADNOC had recently expanded its footprint in the country by signing a major offshore concession agreement for Block I in the Caspian Sea, which holds more than 7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
He outlined the goals of the new office: strengthening operational control over Block I, developing local talent, expanding long-term cooperation, and identifying new investment opportunities.
“We see this as just the beginning,” Tadros said. “Turkmenistan plays a central role in our strategy - not just as another investment, but as a long-term partnership with strategic value for both countries.”
The ceremony concluded with a celebratory cake-cutting and a group photo - a symbolic start to what both sides describe as a new era in energy collaboration.
ADNOC’s opening in Ashgabat marks a significant expansion of the UAE’s presence in Central Asia and sets the stage for deeper, long-term cooperation aimed at shared prosperity and energy security.
