Veep urges deepening economic ties with Turkmenistan, Tajikistan
Iran’s vice president described Turkmenistan as a friendly, brotherly, and neighboring country, emphasizing the need to elevate trade and economic relations through the determination of the leaders of both nations.
Mohammadreza Aref highlighted the shared civilization, history, and culture as the foundation for deepening cooperation.
The VP, speaking on Monday on the sidelines of the third Caspian Sea Economic Forum during a meeting with Khojamurad Geldimuradov, deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, stressed the Islamic Republic of Iran’s serious priority to develop relations with neighboring countries.
He noted that Turkmenistan holds a special place in this strategy, citing the Leader’s description of Iran and Turkmenistan as not only neighbors but also relative countries.
Aref pointed to the diplomatic and political exchanges between the high-ranking officials of both countries, stating that there are no limitations to enhancing Tehran-Ashgabat relations.
He expressed hope that the agreements and negotiations during the Turkmen delegation’s visit to Iran would be operationalized and finalized as soon as possible.
The vice president proposed expanding trade exchanges between the two countries, deepening economic and trade relations with a focus on the private sector, and facilitating government support on both sides.
He also emphasized the development of relations in energy, transportation, transit, and tourism, given the cultural and civilizational commonalities between the two nations.
Aref described the Caspian Sea Economic Forum as a highly strategic opportunity to expand economic relations among the Caspian littoral states and enhance bilateral cooperation.
He noted that the forum in Tehran would address the development of relations in trade, economy, environment, tourism, and investment among the Caspian Sea countries.
The veep also stressed the importance of holding regular meetings of the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Economic Cooperation Commission.
For his part, Geldimuradov conveyed warm and sincere greetings from the national leader and the president of Turkmenistan.
He stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran is one of Turkmenistan’s largest and closest neighbors, with serious priority given to enhancing cooperation in various fields.
Geldimuradov added that diplomatic visits between the two countries’ officials not only create significant opportunities but also contribute to expanding industrial, production, investment, and trade cooperation.
He highlighted the importance of increasing the current favorable trade volume between the two nations, describing Iran as Turkmenistan’s priority, strategic, long-term, and forward-looking economic partner.
He also expressed gratitude for Iran’s efforts in hosting the third Caspian Sea Economic Forum and expressed hope that the results of multilateral and bilateral cooperation in the Caspian region would improve the welfare of the people in the Caspian littoral states.
Expansion of economic ties with Tajikistan
Also, in a joint press conference with Tajikistan’s prime minister on Monday, Aref emphasized the necessity of strengthening the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission between Iran and Tajikistan.
He stated that the commission should pursue a comprehensive strategic plan to enhance Tehran-Dushanbe relations, aiming to significantly increase trade and economic ties in parallel with political relations.
Aref noted that the political relations between the two countries are at their best, highlighting the memorable visit of Iran’s president to Tajikistan last month.
During the visit, strategic agreements for comprehensive cooperation were signed and approved by the leaders of both nations. He added that today’s discussions focused on operational and executive measures to advance these agreements.
The VP elaborated on the objectives of the Tajik prime minister’s visit, stating that, in addition to bilateral meetings, the Tajik delegation was invited as a special guest to the Caspian Sea littoral states summit.
Aref emphasized that the economies of Iran and Tajikistan are complementary and can meet each other’s needs. He stressed the importance of the private sector’s involvement from both countries, urging efforts to activate the private sector’s activities and facilitate government support.
He also noted that the recent visa waiver agreement has eased travel for citizens and businesspeople between the two nations.
Highlighting the capabilities of prominent Iranian companies in the region, particularly in techno-engineering services, Aref expressed Iran’s readiness to cooperate with Tajikistan in these areas.
He added that high-ranking delegations from both countries will hold productive talks to further deepen bilateral cooperation.
Aref also pointed to the cultural commonalities between Iran and Tajikistan, emphasizing the need to prioritize joint tourism initiatives, given the mutual interest of citizens in visiting each other’s countries.
Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, during the press conference, expressed gratitude for the Islamic Republic of Iran’s special attention to Tajikistan. He noted that negotiations between the two countries have always taken place in a friendly atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.
Rasulzoda referenced constructive talks between Iran and Tajikistan, particularly during last month’s visit by Pezeshkian.
He stated that following the Iranian president’s visit and discussions with Tajikistan’s President Imomali Rahmon, bilateral relations have entered a new phase of development.
He expressed confidence that the agreements signed during that visit will provide a solid foundation for expanding cooperation in the coming years.
The Tajik PM also highlighted the increase in trade transactions, the regular meetings of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission, and the Investment Committee between Iran and Tajikistan.
He stressed the importance of implementing a long-term trade program between the two countries until 2030 and executing a joint roadmap.
Rasulzoda reiterated Tajikistan’s interest in expanding and strengthening cooperation with Iran, citing the free economic zones of both countries as key opportunities for development.
He called for deeper collaboration in technical and engineering services, pharmaceuticals, technology, agriculture, energy, transportation, tourism, and the utilization of southern ports such as Chabahar and Bandar Abbas.
He concluded by emphasizing the need to develop relations in education and research, given the shared cultural, historical, and linguistic ties. He expressed his wishes for peace and stability for the people of Iran and its nation with an ancient
civilization.