Why it matters:
Tehran and Astana have historically maintained cordial relations, sharing interests in energy, transport, and trade.
Both nations are part of various regional initiatives, including the EAEU, where they work towards economic diversification and connectivity.
Iran's strategic location provides Kazakhstan access to southern ports, enhancing trade routes like the North-South Transport Corridor.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's membership in the EAEU offers Iran pathways into Central Asian markets.
Key points:
- Aref who has traveled to Kazakhstan to participate in the Eurasian Economic Union Prime Ministers' Summit and the Almaty Digital 2025 Conference, in the meeting with the country's Prime Minister, discussed various issues related to expanding bilateral relations and strengthening economic and trade cooperation.
- During the meeting, the two sides emphasized the importance of developing cooperation in the fields of agriculture, transport, and logistics. In addition, a 25 percent increase in trade in agricultural and industrial products between the two countries in the first eleven months of last year reached $186 million.
- During the meeting, the two sides emphasized the importance of the observer status of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Eurasian Economic Union and its impact on the development of bilateral relations in all areas.
- Also, issues related to transport and transit within the framework of the international corridor "North-South" were discussed. The two sides discussed the transit capacities and the need to improve transport infrastructure in the ports of Aktau and Kuryk in Kazakhstan and Anzali and Amirabad in Iran.
- The talks were held in a friendly atmosphere and with mutual respect, raising hopes for the expansion of economic and political relations.
What they are saying:
- Mohammadreza Aref and Oljas Bektenov emphasized the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation and achieve the set goal of increasing the volume of bilateral trade to $ 3 billion.
- The Kazakh side also expressed its interest in expanding exports of agricultural products, especially grains, to Iran. As a major grain exporter, Kazakhstan is ready to meet the needs of the Iranian market in wheat, barley, and oilseeds.
Go deeper:
Considering the importance of the observer status of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Eurasian Economic Union and its impact on the development of bilateral relations in all areas, this achievement can contribute to the expansion of economic, trade, and investment interactions between the two countries.
Iran's First Vice President Leaves for Kazakhstan
