Tehran – Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister Sattar Hashemi and Turkmenistan Director of Transport and Communications Agency Chakyev Mammethan Berdimyradovich discussed ways to broaden relations between the two countries: the digital economy, artificial intelligence, space technology and data transit.
Authorities also emphasized that they would prepare a memorandum of understanding to expand technical cooperation in the joint region, Mehr’s news agency reported.
At a meeting held in Tehran on Thursday, Berdimyradovich said Turkmenistan is interested in promoting cooperation with Iran by sharing AI sector expertise and training experts.
In praise of Iran’s technological advances, officials announced that they are actively involved in Iran’s international programs, particularly AI, and are ready to benefit from the country’s knowledge and experience.
He said the two countries could also promote relations by implementing joint projects with advanced technology and using satellites in a variety of industries such as agriculture, oil and gas.
“We are also interested in developing relationships with Iran in other areas, such as human resource training, interactions with Iranian manufacturers, and expanding postal exchanges.”
Hashemi emphasized technology diplomacy as one of the ICT ministry’s key priorities. “We are interested in developing collaborations with regional countries, if possible, which will bring one of the nation’s key strategic plans: the digital economy and artificial intelligence to bring about shared outcomes between the local state and government.”
Officials noted that the two countries could work together to prepare AI documents for joint regions and develop satellite systems to enhance communications in areas that are inaccessible.
Emphasizing the capabilities of ICT Technology Park, Hashemi said Payam airport is a specialized postal airport that can be used to launch direct flights between Iran and Turkmenistan.
The formula proposed a deeper relationship of data transits by establishing north-south and east-west corridors.
The proposal received good reviews from Turkmen officials, and he expressed his country’s preparations to implement the plan.
The Minister of ICT also proposed the development of a joint platform to showcase the products of both countries. A working group is established to prepare a memorandum of understanding for the implementation of the contract achieved.
In November 2024, Iranian and Turkmen officials investigated the possibility of expanding joint information and communications technology (ICT) efforts.
During the meeting, CEOs of Telecommunication Infrastructure Company (TIC), Behzad Safari and Berdimyradovich discussed how to develop digital infrastructure and transformed both countries into East and West telecommunications transport routes.
Iran has pledged to cultivate regional AI cooperation
The combination of talent, data and innovation allows Iran to become a key player in the local artificial intelligence (AI) value chain, fostering meaningful collaboration and development. Iran is committed to promoting regional cooperation and building a future in which AI promotes prosperity and unity, Hasemi said in February.
Emphasizing that Iran is a key stakeholder of the region’s digital landscape, Hasemi said Iran is a major player in AI in the Persian Gulf and is ready to begin cooperation with the regional state on the issue.
Officials made their remarks while working on the Iranian Corridor 2025 conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
He said it is a country’s mobile phone operator and a thriving digital services platform such as Snapp. And, serving over 30 million users each, Digikala offers a wealth of multifaceted data. It’s an essential element of AI development, Press TV reports.
Despite facing economic sanctions, Iran has been successful in developing a resilient fintech ecosystem that continues to flourish and innovate, Hashemmi noted.
“Our country’s academic and research capabilities have driven us to the forefront of AI advancement. In 2023, Iran ranked second in the region in terms of the number and quality of AI scientific papers, indicating its commitment to cutting-edge research and development,” he added.
“Iran holds second place in the AI developer region, highlighting the depth of its skilled workforce, ranks fourth in the region in terms of the number of AI companies, and presents our dynamic and rapidly growing ecosystem,” the Iranian minister continued.
mt/mg