Aref in Almaty: Iran aims to act as effective, reliable partner in region
EAEU members urged to develop joint digital products, AI tools
First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref described Iran’s observer status in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as another step toward deepening mutual economic relations and emphasized that this status promises effective participation in the activities of this important economic institution in the region.
Speaking at the EAEU Prime Ministers’ Meeting in Almaty on Friday, Aref stated that Iran’s economic diplomacy increasingly values regional and multilateral mechanisms.
He expressed Iran’s readiness to expand cooperation in key areas such as energy, new technologies, transit and transportation.
Representing Iran for the first time as an observer country, Aref announced that Iran is prepared to support trade interactions within the framework of a free trade agreement.
“This includes establishing an Iran-EAEU corridor, providing necessary facilities to streamline trade among the six member countries, and enhancing the transit capacities of southern ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman to connect landlocked member states to global markets.”
Also, speaking at the “Almaty Digital 2025” conference on Friday morning, Aref proposed connecting communication infrastructures, integrating digital economy regulations, and collaborating on shared platforms.
He also emphasized combating unilateralism in the digital domain, advancing artificial intelligence, and developing joint digital products and AI tools to leverage the capabilities of EAEU members.
The VP stressed that now is the time for Iran and regional countries to lay the foundations for a new digital and industrial era through unity and cooperation.
Aref expressed hope that such meetings would mark the beginning of a new chapter in digital and technology-driven cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union, leading to further growth and prosperity in this and other sectors.
On Thursday evening, during his visit to Kazakhstan, Aref participated in a consultation session with Iranian business leaders and economic activists in Kazakhstan.
He emphasized that in the realm of foreign policy and economic diplomacy, there is no alternative but to engage in significant regional unions and agreements.
Aref stated, “We have concluded that alongside bilateral relations, we must actively participate in regional unions.”
Expansion on ties with EAEU states
Earlier on Friday, Aref met with Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov, highlighting the extensive economic, commercial, and transportation relations between Iran and Kyrgyzstan. He called for serious cooperation in science and technology and emphasized the need to activate the joint cooperation commission between the two countries.
Aref noted that the presence of Iran and Kyrgyzstan in regional organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, ECO, and the Eurasian Economic Union provides an excellent opportunity to deepen bilateral relations.
Japarov, for his part, reiterated Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to strengthening friendly ties with Iran and expressed readiness for constructive dialogue at all levels.
On Thursday evening, Aref met with Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, stressing the importance of using regional and international forums like the EAEU to enhance trade and economic cooperation, particularly among private sectors.
He emphasized Iran’s desire to strengthen comprehensive relations with countries sharing political, cultural, and historical commonalities.
Golovchenko for his part, highlighted the successful joint cooperation commission between Iran and Belarus and the need to elevate trade volumes to match the high level of political relations.
During his visit to Kazakhstan, Aref also met with Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, emphasizing the cultural and civilizational ties between the two countries and the need to enhance economic and commercial cooperation. He invited Smailov to attend the Caspian Summit in Tehran late in February.
Aref also highlighted Iran’s advancements in information technology, expressing readiness to share experiences in emerging technologies with neighboring countries.