Putin credits Iran's late Leader with role in founding GECF at summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the 8th Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), said that Iran's late Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, played a significant role in the establishment of the organization. Putin made the remarks during his address to the summit, according to a report by Mehr News Agency.

Putin also welcomed comments by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the need for collective action by GECF member states against unilateral sanctions. He called on member states to counter unilateral Western sanctions targeting energy-rich countries, which he said lead to unfair competition. The consequences of such sanctions, he added, affect not only gas consumers but also producers.

Turning to market forecasts, Putin pointed to a rising trend in global gas consumption, stating that by 2050 global demand for gas will reach 5.5 trillion cubic meters per year, while international supply will increase by about 1.5 times. He also criticized European sanctions against Russia, saying that by turning away from Russian energy resources, Europe is damaging its own industry and social sector.

The summit brought together representatives of gas-exporting states, with discussions centered on market conditions, sanctions and future demand. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's remarks at the gathering focused on the need for coordinated action among member states against unilateral restrictive measures.

According to Mehr News Agency, Putin's address highlighted both the historical role attributed to Iran's late Leader in the forum's founding and the shared concerns of member states over sanctions and shifting global gas demand.