VP to visit Kazakhstan for EAEU summit, Almaty Digital Forum
A delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran, led by Vice President Mohammadreza Aref, travels to Kazakhstan today to participate in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Prime Ministers’ Summit and the 2025 Almaty Digital Forum, according to Ali Najafi, deputy for international affairs and regional cooperation in the VP’s office.
Najafi stated that Aref and his accompanying delegation would depart for Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Thursday at the invitation of the Kazakh prime minister, according to fvpresident.ir.
“During the visit, the VP will attend and deliver speeches at both the EAEU summit and the Almaty Digital Forum. Aref will also hold meetings with Kazakh officials and several prime ministers from EAEU member states.”
Highlighting Iran’s recent accession as an observer member of the EAEU, Najafi noted that this marks the first time a senior Iranian official is attending the summit in this capacity.
Najafi emphasized that Iran’s cooperation with the EAEU could strengthen ties with neighboring member states.
He expressed hope that the implementation of the Iran-EAEU free trade agreement, recently approved by Iran’s Parliament, would lead to a significant boost in trade between Iran and EAEU countries.
He further pointed out that under the agreement, approximately 87% of tariff codes for exports to the region would be reduced to zero, creating a valuable opportunity for expanding Iran’s economic and trade cooperation and increasing exports.
Najafi also described the Iranian delegation’s participation in the Almaty Digital Forum as an important opportunity, saying it will allow Iran to showcase its capabilities, programs, and initiatives in artificial intelligence, the digital economy and information technology.