Roman Marshavin, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation, chaired the 2nd meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum Ad Hoc Working Group on preparations for the 8th Heads of State and Government Summit. The event was part of Russia's active work within the framework of international energy cooperation, the Ministry's press service reported.
The GECF Summit will take place on October 27, 2026, in Moscow at the venue of the International Trade Centre. The key document of the event is the Moscow Declaration. Its draft is designed not as traditional political declaration, but as a forward-looking document with the focus on development. The Declaration is intended to formalize the GECF's transition to a new stage of cooperation: strengthen stability, strategic autonomy, and the development potential of the member states.
During the 53rd meeting of the Executive Board, the GECF presented a report on the implementation of the 2025 decisions, showcased the Forum's analytical products, and discussed the possible expansion of the membership. Particular attention was paid to the impact of the Middle East crisis on the global gas market – both in the short term and in the long term.
The GECF marks the 25th anniversary of its founding. The Summit remains a key platform for coordinating the positions of gas exporting countries, responding to market challenges, and strengthening the role of natural gas in the global energy sector. The participation of the Russian Ministry of Energy in the meetings emphasizes Russia's importance in shaping the industry agenda.