The Iranian Minister of Information and Communications Technology Seyed Sattar Hashemi and the Turkmen Managing Director of the Agency for Transport and Communications Mammetkhan Chakyev discussed development of ties in transit of data, artificial intelligence, space technology and digital economy.
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.