Moscow, Russia - Oct 26, 2026 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of press conference in progress
2. Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev speaking
3. Reporters
4. Various of 28th ministerial meeting of Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in progress, representatives speaking, attendees, national flags
5. National flags, flag of GECF outside meeting venue
6. Sign reading "8th Summit Moscow 2026"
7. Various of attendees posing for photos

FILE: Moscow, Russia - April 20, 2022 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
8. Various of bridge, Kremlin

FILE: Moscow, Russia - March 2023 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
9. Saint Basil's Cathedral

FILE: Moscow, Russia - Date Unknown (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
10. Saint Basil's Cathedral, Kremlin Clock, traffic

The 28th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) opened in Moscow on Monday, bringing together 12 member countries and eight observer nations, emphasizing that all countries should enjoy the right to freely access natural gas.

In his remarks on Monday, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev said that the Strait of Hormuz crisis has affected roughly 20 percent of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. He added that illegal unilateral restrictions imposed on GECF member states, including Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, have exacerbated market volatility and driven up consumer prices.

The meeting adopted the draft "Moscow Declaration," which establishes three core principles: energy equity, technology neutrality, and equal access. The draft is expected to be formally approved on Tuesday during the 8th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the GECF, chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Founded in 2001, the GECF comprises 12 member countries, including Russia, Iran, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), alongside eight observer nations such as Angola, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia.

Together, GECF members and observers account for 70 percent of global natural gas reserves, nearly 40 percent of pipeline gas exports, and around 50 percent of global LNG exports.

Since 2011, the forum has held its heads-of-state summit biennially.