Ashgabat, November 24 | ORIENT. A landmark event took place in the capital of Turkmenistan, marking the beginning of a new chapter in energy cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) officially opened its office in the Arkach Business Center.

The office opening, which took place in an atmosphere of high mutual trust and festivity, symbolized the UAE's long-term commitment to developing Turkmenistan's energy potential, as evidenced by the video presented at the ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by Ahmed Al Hameli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UAE to Turkmenistan, along with ADNOC management representatives, including Bassem Tadros, Director of International Asset Management and Branch Manager of ADNOC in Turkmenistan, and Turkmen officials, including Guvanch Agajanov, Chairman of the Turkmennebit State Concern.

The ceremony began with a symbolic ribbon-cutting, followed by the performance of the national anthems of both countries, underscoring the status and significance of the event. Fares Al Balushi, ADNOC's International Business Development Manager, hosted the ceremony, noting that this day marks an important step in strengthening our partnership.

UAE Ambassador Ahmed Al Hameli delivered a speech, conveying warm greetings from the UAE's leadership, including President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Ambassador emphasized that relations between the two countries continue to actively develop and diversify.

"By direct order of the two countries' leadership, ADNOC's presence in Turkmenistan today opens a new chapter," Al Hameli stated. "This office is not only a symbol of our expanding cooperation, but also of our shared vision for a sustainable future partnership."

Al Hameli cited impressive statistics: bilateral non-oil trade reached $1.76 billion in 2024, making the UAE Turkmenistan's third-largest trading partner.

At the ceremony, Guvanch Agajanov, Chairman of the Turkmennebit State Concern, delivered a welcoming speech. He emphasized the mutual benefits of expanding cooperation with one of the world's largest energy companies and expressed confidence that ADNOC's presence in Turkmenistan will provide a powerful impetus for the development of the national oil and gas industry and the exchange of advanced technologies.

The closing address was delivered by Bassem Tadros, ADNOC's Director of International Asset Management and Head of the Company's branch in Turkmenistan.

"The UAE and Turkmenistan share a relationship based on trust, respect, and a shared vision of energy security and sustainable growth. Today's opening of the office is a symbol of our long-term commitment to being a reliable partner for Turkmenistan," Tadros noted.

Tadros called Turkmenistan "one of the world's most promising energy hubs" thanks to its abundant world-class natural gas reserves and strategically advantageous geographic location. He recalled that earlier this year, ADNOC strengthened its presence by signing a strategic concession agreement to develop offshore Block I in the Caspian Sea, which holds over 7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Bassem Tadros clearly outlined the goals of opening the office: to be closer to partners, strengthen operational control over Block I, develop local talent, and strengthen our long-term presence.

"And we see this as just the beginning—we are actively exploring further opportunities for growth, investment, and support for the country's energy future. Our presence here complements our growing global gas portfolio as part of our mission to create a world-class integrated gas platform," Tadros said.

"Turkmenistan plays a central role in our strategy – not just as another investment, but as a partnership with long-term strategic value for both countries. We look forward to many years of cooperation, progress, and shared success," he concluded.

Following the official opening, guests were invited to a cake-cutting ceremony and a celebratory group photo. This symbolized our shared commitment to a stronger and more sustainable energy future. The opening of ADNOC's office in Ashgabat undoubtedly marks a transition to a qualitatively new level of partnership, aimed at long-term success and energy security.