A delegation from the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) visited Turkmenistan to discuss prospects for scientific and technical cooperation and the strengthening of national engineering capacity. The visit took place ahead of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition "Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan" (OGT 2026), scheduled to be held in Ashgabat on October 21–23, according to materials from the organizers.

The delegation included 2025 SPE President Olivier Houzé, SPE Regional Development and Events Representative Grigory Zaraisky, and SPE Regional Director-Elect for Russia and the Caspian Region Ali Nagiev.

The guests held meetings with the leadership of the state concerns "Turkmengaz" and "Turkmennebit," the State Corporation "Turkmengeologiya," the Natural Gas Research Institute of the "Turkmengaz" concern, and the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University. Particular attention was paid to training qualified specialists, exchanging technical knowledge and experience, developing scientific cooperation, and expanding the activities of the Turkmenistan Section of SPE.

In addition, SPE representatives met with delegations from Dragon Oil, PETRONAS, Eni, and CNPC. The parties discussed deepening professional cooperation and increasing the participation of engineers and specialists working in Turkmenistan in SPE’s educational and scientific programs.

The visit also served as a preparatory step for a specialized SPE roundtable to be held as part of OGT 2026. Participants are expected to focus on the professional development of engineering personnel, the implementation of technological innovations, and collaboration among industrial enterprises, research organizations, and universities.