The 8th Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) is being held in Moscow on October 27, 2026. Turkmenistan is participating in the event as a special guest. The summit is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the international energy organization.

For Turkmenistan, which ranks among the world's leading countries in terms of proven natural gas reserves, the summit is of considerable importance for developing international energy cooperation, diversifying gas export destinations, and expanding cooperation in the global energy market.

Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the President of the Russian Federation, noted that the forum plays an important coordinating role amid the ongoing transformations in global energy markets. According to him, GECF member countries account for approximately 70 percent of the world's natural gas reserves, 38 percent of global gas production, and nearly 42 percent of international pipeline gas trade.

Ahead of the summit, the organization's 28th ministerial meeting was held. GECF Secretary General Philip Mshelbila stated that global demand for natural gas is expected to exceed 5.3 trillion cubic meters by 2050. It is also forecast that the share of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in international trade will reach 64 percent by that time.

These developments are increasing the importance of attracting investment in new production capacity in the gas sector, introducing modern technologies, and strengthening long-term cooperation.

Turkmenistan's participation in the summit highlights the importance of the country's initiatives aimed at developing international energy relations, supporting reliable energy supplies, and expanding gas export routes. Turkmenistan supports the development of dialogue in the energy sector free from politicization, as well as the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Following the summit, the Moscow Declaration is expected to be adopted. It will focus on strengthening stability and predictability in gas markets, developing export and transport corridors, and introducing environmentally friendly technologies.