Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif made the remarks in a Sunday meeting in Tehran with Kazakh Minister of Investment and Development Asset Issekeshev, highlighting the close relations between the two countries.
Noting Astana’s constructive role in regional issues, Zarif added “we will never forget the role Kazakhstan played in the realization of diplomatic achievements in Iran’s peaceful nuclear case.”
Zarif also announced the upcoming visit of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev to Tehran in late April, saying the visit will commence a new phase in the two countries’ relations.
“Iran can offer ample opportunities to Kazakhstan in transit and economic cooperation via Bandar Abbas and Chabahar,” said Zarif.
The Iranian top diplomat also welcomed expansion of banking cooperation with Astana, saying “although legal obstacles have been removed following the implementation of the nuclear deal, the determination and resolve shown by governments’ officials can still serve as a good incentive for encouraging further banking and economic cooperation between the two countries.”
The Kazakh minister, for his part, stressed that his country has never based its relations on shaky foundations, saying “for this reason, we have come to Iran heading a 250-strong delegation of businessmen and industrial bodies for evaluating the grounds for new investment and furthering cooperation with the Islamic Republic.”
“Kazakh companies have an active presence in Bandar Abbas and we are ready to further expand transit interactions with Iran by establishing a railway between the two countries,” he added.
Issekeshev further maintained that Kazakhstan is keen on boosting mutual cooperation in the fields of tourism, education and culture.
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