Astana – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the strategic importance of the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran transit corridor for boosting regional trade and transportation links, highlighting that the corridor offers significant potential for expanding cooperation and improving connectivity.

 

In a joint meeting between the high-ranking delegations of Iran and Kazakhstan in Astana on Thursday, President Pezeshkian described Iran as the most efficient and cost-effective transit route for Kazakhstan, reinforcing the idea that strengthening this corridor would serve the interests of both nations. The president also stressed that a roadmap to increase trade exchanges between the two countries to $3 billion is already in place and fully achievable.

 

Among the key areas for cooperation, Pezeshkian identified the construction of joint silos at the Kazakh port of Aktau and the establishment of food packaging and storage factories in Kazakhstan as top priorities for Iran's private sector. He urged swift action to facilitate these projects, which would be a major step in deepening economic ties.

 

The Iranian president further addressed operational challenges, specifically the 14-day visa restrictions for transport drivers, calling for reforms to improve these conditions. He suggested that these issues be resolved with the support of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

 

Pezeshkian also mentioned the potential for expanding meat imports from Kazakhstan, which could create new opportunities for economic collaboration. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of strengthening banking and financial coordination to further develop economic relations between the two countries.

 

Cultural ties were also highlighted, with Pezeshkian noting the 10-year-long hiatus of Iran's cultural week in Kazakhstan. Reviving this event could play a significant role in fostering stronger cultural and social ties between the two nations.

 

For his part, the Kazakh president expressed his country’s eagerness to enhance cooperation with Iran, particularly in logistics, medicine, and other key sectors. He underscored the rich historical and cultural ties between the two nations and emphasized the need to leverage the existing potential within the framework of the Eurasia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI).

 

Tokayev also noted the importance of the geostrategic region, suggesting that a crucial transportation corridor could be developed among Kazakhstan, Iran, Iraq, Armenia, and Turkmenistan, which would be vital for the region’s future.

 

At the end of the meeting, the Kazakh president welcomed Iran’s offer of 15 hectares of land in Bandar Abbas port city for joint development projects, calling it a positive step toward strengthening bilateral relations.