Iran Press/ Asia: During a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani stressed that Tehran welcomes expansion of relations with Nursultan in all areas including political, economic, scientific and cultural relations. He added: "The start of Iran's cooperation with the Eurasian Union is a very good opportunity for expansion of economic and commercial ties between members of the Eurasian Union, especially between Iran and Kazakhstan."
He noted that Iran and Kazakhstan have always enjoyed very friendly and sincere relations, adding the two countries have many capacities in different economic fields, and they can increase their trade and cooperation, in line with the interests of both nations.
The president underlined the importance of the Aktau agreement on the Caspian Sea's legal regime and said the agreement should be precisely implemented in the interests of all littoral states.
President Rouhani noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran is fully prepared to cooperate in the protection of the environmental issues of the Caspian Sea in order for the coastal countries to benefit from the tourist and economic attractions and capacities of this sea.
"The Caspian Sea should be a sea of peace and friendship for the littoral states, without the presence of any foreign military forces," Rouhani added.
Rouhani also highlighted the importance of Iran-Kazakhstan cooperation on north - south transport corridor, noting that the rail link between the two countries through the Iranian border town of 'Inche Boroun' was a great step, and today there are active rail links from the Persian Gulf to China and soon the rail link to Anzali Port could also be a new transit opportunity between the two countries.
President Rouhani also underscored Tehran's readiness to cooperate with Kazakhstan in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and sustainable security in the region, noting that the Islamic Republic of Iran calls for security and stability in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East and for this purpose a roadmap called the Hormuz Peace Initiative has been offered to ensure lasting security in the region with the participation of all Persian Gulf states and the United Nations.
The president reiterated that Iran seeks full security for waterways and free shipping in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.
At the meeting, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the Islamic Republic of Iran is a very good and reliable neighbour for his country, and stated that Kazakhstan wants high-level cooperation and ties with Iran across the board.
"Kazakhstan welcomes Iran's presence as the new economic partner of the Eurasian Union and Iran's presence will lead to strengthening of the goals of the organisation," he said.
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, left Tehran for Yerevan on Monday afternoon, heading a high-profile delegation, to attend the Eurasian Economic Union summit in Yerevan.
The summit is expected to have important political and economic implications.
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