Pezeshkian hails ‘decisive step’ in ties as Iran, Kazakhstan seal 14 deals

Iran and Kazakhstan have signed 14 cooperation documents in Astana as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, marking what they described as a significant step in expanding bilateral ties.

In a ceremony attended by the two presidents, senior officials from both countries concluded agreements and MoUs covering transportation, transit and logistics, cultural exchanges, legal assistance, health and medical care, diplomatic interaction, and media cooperation.

The two leaders also signed a joint statement outlining their commitment to deepen relations.

Pezeshkian, in Astana at the head of a high-ranking delegation, said the results of the visit represent “a major and decisive step” toward strengthening bilateral relations.

He expressed optimism that the political will in Tehran and Astana could raise the volume of trade and investment to a level “worthy” of the two nations.

“I believe that the results of this visit are a significant and decisive step on the path of strengthening bilateral cooperation, and the political will in Tehran and Astana can raise trade and investment between the two countries to a deserving level,” he said.

Countering US unilateralism

The Iranian president added that Iran and Kazakhstan must promote close relations to counter the United States’ unilateralism.

“The US and some Western countries have targeted the identity and independence of sovereign states. Under such circumstances, it is necessary to develop mutual ties with more seriousness and sensitivity," he said. 

The Iranian president warned of a “complex” regional environment and growing unilateral approaches in global politics.

He added that the two countries have managed to achieve 40-percent growth in bilateral trade and are ready to carry out a roadmap aimed at raising the value of trade up to three billion dollars.

He expressed hope that Tehran and Astana will make more use of the capacities of the private sector.

The Iranian president added that the two countries have always maintained friendly relations since Kazakhstan’s independence, stressing that Iran attaches special significance to ties with neighbors.

Pezeshkian emphasized that Tehran and Astana interact closely on many regional and international issues, saying, “The two countries have had good cooperation in various political, economic, and cultural fields and have also reached valuable agreements."

Pointing to Iran-Kazakhstan active cooperation in international organizations, he added that "stable and close relations exist between the two countries in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and also in [issues pertaining to] the Caspian Sea region."

He urged both countries to continue this path and focus on further promotion of cooperation.

Pezeshkian said the resolution of banking problems would play an important role in developing relations, and emphasized that the full implementation of the free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union will pave the way for further expansion of trade and economic relations between Tehran and Astana.

Iranian, Kazak FMs urge more consultations on regional, global issues

The Iranian and Kazakh foreign ministers urge more consultations on regional and global developments.

Following the Kazakhstan visit, the Iranian president will head to Turkmenistan, where an international summit revolving around peace will be held with several heads of state in attendance.

Iran’s ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, said the presidents of Iran and Russia will meet and hold talks in Turkmenistan.

Jalali touched on the growing relations between the two countries which signed a comprehensive strategic agreement earlier this year, saying continued meetings between senior leaders and officials reflect the “ongoing positive momentum” in relations.

“The presidents of Russia and Iran will soon meet and consult in Turkmenistan,” Jalali said, noting that Iran’s foreign minister is also scheduled to travel to Moscow next week.

Pezeshkian's back-to-back visits to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan underscore Iran’s broader push to deepen economic, trade, and cultural ties with Central Asian nations, particularly through the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), a regional trade and development bloc; the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a Eurasian security and political alliance; and the expanded BRICS+ platform, which groups major emerging economies.

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