A Turning Point in Kazakhstan-Iran Relations

Kazakhstan and Iran signed 66 agreements to boost economic relations during the president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev’s visit to Tehran on April 11.

The documents were signed after the meetings between Kazakh president Nursultan Nazarbayev, Hassan Rouhani, president of Iran and Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader. Two countries signed agreements which cover railway transportation, logistics, technology, agriculture, tourism, and mining. Two countries aim to touch $2 billion trade volume.

“Iran and Kazakhstan are connected in three logistical ways:  railway, highway and the Caspian Sea – which positively influences further development of bilateral relations. The Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway project was implemented, thanks to Rouhani’s personal participation,” said Nazarbayev, according to the Astana Times report. He added, “The first container train from eastern China to Iran arrived in 12 days. Transport by sea would take twice as much time.”

Two sides agreed on to establish a joint shipping company. Kazakhstan and Iran plan to increase bilateral economic relations by using Caspian Sea shipping opportunities.

Head of Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, Valiollah Afkhamirad said, “After Iran’s capacities were discussed, President Nazarbayev said there are ample opportunities for cooperation between the two countries and invited Iranian companies to start cultivation in extra-territorial operations in Kazakhstan for offshore food production, iron ore, and chromite mines, as well as mineral processing,” Mehr reported.

The visit of Nazarbayev is accepted as a turning point in mutual relations.