Iran determined to enhance Kazakh ties

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has underscored Iran and Kazakhstan’s determination to enhance bilateral ties in all spheres.

“The leaders of both countries are resolved to further expand and consolidate brotherly and friendly mutual ties in all areas,” said Salehi at a Friday meeting with his Kazakh counterpart Erlan Idrisov on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The conference, which mainly focuses on the future of Afghanistan, is aimed at creating trust and enhancing cooperation among the regional players.

Salehi expressed optimism that bilateral economic and trade cooperation will witness a further growth after the 13th meeting of the Iran- Kazakhstan Joint Economic Commission in the near future and inauguration of the Iran-Turkmenistan-Kazakhstan railway next month.

He also called for more active cooperation between the two countries’ parliamentary friendship groups.

The Iranian foreign minister also invited his Kazakh opposite number to visit Iran.

Idrisov, for his part, praised Tehran-Astana ties as “excellent” and called for enhancement of cooperation in transportation and communications as well as a meeting of the Joint Economic Commission.

He underlined the importance of Iran’s participation in the Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference as Iran is an effective regional player and the key neighbor of Afghanistan.

The Kazakh foreign minister pointed to the efforts aimed at promoting stability and progress in Afghanistan, noting that economic development and improvement of infrastructure and communications in Afghanistan will lead to growth in trade, cultural, and educational interaction.