Iran, Turkmenistan to boost ties in data transit, AI, space technology, digital economy

According to a press release from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology's Public Relations Center, in a meeting in Tehran, the two sides agreed on establishment of a committee to draft the cooperation agreement to further develop the bilateral ties as well as regional cooperation.

Hashemi referred to the decisive role of technology in today's economy and life and said, "The digital economy is one of Iran's strategic plans for the future that is being pursued with seriousness."

“The technology diplomacy is one of the main objectives of Iran’s ICT Ministry,” he added, "It is implemented with the priority of the countries of the region and can secure joint achievements for the governments and nations of the region in the fields of digital economy and artificial intelligence."

Hashemi also referred to the emphasis of the president and the first vice president of Iran on the development of artificial intelligence and said the preparation of a regional document on artificial intelligence is an evidence of Iran's special attention to this field.

“Cooperation in this field with countries of the region, including Turkmenistan, can activate mutual capacities," he said.

The Iranian minister continued by referring to the country's space achievements, including the project to achieve geostationary orbit and develop satellite systems to strengthen communications in inaccessible areas which he introduced as a proper platform for cooperation with Turkmenistan.

Hashemi also pointed to the capacity of Iran’s Information and Communications Technology Park (ICTP), the Special Economic Zone and the Payam Airport, and said, "Payam Airport, as a specialized postal airport, can serve as the hub for launching a direct flights service between Iran and Turkmenistan.”

He said cooperation in the field of data transit between the north-south corridor and east-west corridor are potential areas of cooperation between Tehran and Ashkhabat.

In this meeting, the Turkmen Managing Director of the Agency for Transport and Communications Mammetkhan Chakyev said Turkmenistan has plans for development of communications, and added, "Artificial intelligence has become one of the key issues and we need cooperation in the field of training specialists and exchanging experience in this field."

"There is a possibility of implementing joint projects and transferring experience in the fields of digital economy and new technologies."

He said human resource training, interaction with Iranian manufacturers, and the development of postal exchanges are areas of interest of Turkmenistan for cooperation with Iran and suggested preparation and signing a cooperation agreement in these areas.

The Iranian ICT minister welcomed the statements of the visiting Turkmen official and invited Chakyev to the ELECOMP International Exhibition and the Artificial Intelligence Conference to be held in Iran in 2026.