Dec 24, 2016, 9:54 AM

Iran prioritizes close ties with Central Asian, Caucasian neighbors

Iran prioritizes close ties with Central Asian, Caucasian neighbors

TEHRAN, Dec. 24 (MNA) – President Hassan Rouhani and the accompanying delegation arrived in Tehran on Friday evening after winding up the three-nation tour of Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Speaking to the reporters upon his arrival at Mehrabad Airport, Rouhani elaborated more on the achievements of his regional tour saying establishing close ties with neighbors, especially Central Asia and the Caucasus, is among the Islamic Republic's basic foreign policy principles.

"Close relations may lead to more detailed consultations and planning, which will in turn result in more resistance against scourges such as insecurity, instability and terrorism that has engulfed the region," Rouhani said, adding close ties can help plan for expansion of relations and transactions.

He pointed to the sanctions as an obstacle on the way of economic relations between Iran and the Central Asian countries; "In post-sanctions era, all countries are happy with economic ties with Iran and government should facilitate export of technical and engineering services to the countries."

"Iran plans to revive the ties in the post-sanctions era," he noted.

Touching upon achievements in his regional tour, Rouhani said we consulted over lifting visa issuance with Armenia and plans to remove it with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as well.

Pointing to banking ties development, President Rouhani noted that Central Bank of Iran has established relations with the three countries' banks.

Rouhani also pointed to cultural, security issues, Iran's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, removal of preferential tariffs, agricultural cooperation, extra-territorial farming, technical and engineering services, power plants and dams, cultural and academic ties, among issues discussed in three countries.

He voiced hope that the trip will help meeting interests of Iran and of the three central Asian countries.

LR/3857860

News ID 122233

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