Veep: Iran as central Asia’s shortest gateway to high seas
Four cooperation agreements inked with Uzbekistan
Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref placed a premium on the country’s pivotal role as the “shortest route connecting Central Asian states to international waters and the Persian Gulf” during a Sunday meeting with Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov.
Aref, as reported by IRNA, affirmed Iran’s readiness to facilitate Uzbekistan’s access to its ports, stating, “Infrastructure and logistical facilities at Iranian ports are ready, and Iran is prepared to provide necessary arrangements for Uzbekistan’s presence in these ports.”
The vice president highlighted the Tehran-Tashkent agreements to elevate bilateral cooperation, stressing, “With the serious resolve of the presidents of Iran and Uzbekistan, cooperation between the two countries has seen a significant expansion during the current government compared to previous periods.”
In the presence of Aref and Uzbekistan’s prime minister, four cooperation documents were also signed, ISNA reported.
Strengthening joint collaboration across sectors, revitalizing bilateral ties, and enhancing cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields were among the key topics discussed during the high-level talks.
During the meeting of the Iran-Uzbekistan high-ranking delegations, Aref emphasized, “Both nations possess the necessary will to elevate their relations. The [Iranian] government is determined to advance ties with Uzbekistan in all areas.”
He noted that the 16th Joint Cooperation Commission, held alongside the Uzbek prime minister’s visit, lays the groundwork for further prosperity in bilateral relations. “We expect these collaborations to deepen and expand across all fields,” he added.
Aref underscored that increasing the volume of exchanges is an actionable goal for Iran, “We hope to achieve this objective swiftly. To this end, mutual understanding of each other’s capabilities is essential, and expert-level exchanges — particularly between private-sector actors — must intensify.”
Referring to the government’s policy of expanding relations with neighboring and regional states, Aref remarked, “Given the two nations’ understanding of each other’s economies, they can serve as complementary partners in advancing regional economic ties.”
The vice president also identified Iranian companies’ readiness to engage in technical and engineering services, exports of agricultural products and equipment, mining, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and historical monument restoration as key areas for cooperation in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan’s ‘reliable partner in region’
Aripov, who arrived in Tehran earlier on Sunday at the head of a high-level delegation, described the meetings between senior officials as a catalyst for boosting economic and trade interactions, which he said should extend to other sectors.
Noting the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and Uzbekistan, he emphasized, “The Islamic Republic of Iran is Uzbekistan’s close friend and reliable partner in the region.”
Addressing the $500 million volume of bilateral trade, Aripov stressed that expanding cooperation must be “future-oriented and based on long-term planning.”
“The private sectors of Iran and Uzbekistan should fully leverage existing opportunities,” he added.