Astana: Iran is viewed as a crucial gateway for Kazakhstan to Southeast Asia and Africa, according to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This was articulated during a meeting in Astana with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The discussion highlighted the significance of enhancing the North-South Transport Corridor and the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway route.

According to Anadolu Agency, Pezeshkian's inaugural visit to Astana focused on strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Iran across trade, economy, transport, logistics, and cultural sectors. Tokayev noted a 40% increase in trade between the two nations over the last 10 months, compared to the previous year.

Tokayev revealed that around 700 Iranian companies are currently operating in Kazakhstan, particularly in industry, infrastructure, and agriculture. He also mentioned that Kazakh entrepreneurs are investing actively in Iran's mining, transport, logistics, and food production sectors. Tokayev expressed appreciation for Iran's allocation of land to Kazakhstan at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas and proposed the creation of a joint Free Economic Zone in the Mangystau region.

This initiative, Tokayev stated, will facilitate the production of finished goods from Iranian raw materials in Kazakhstan, aiding regional distribution. Additionally, both leaders agreed to construct a historical and cultural complex in Kazakhstan dedicated to Abu Nasr al-Farabi, an early Arab philosopher.

Pezeshkian emphasized the robust cooperation between the countries within the Eurasian Economic Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. He reaffirmed the positive trajectory of bilateral trade, which has increased by 40%, and reiterated the commitment to boosting mutual trade volumes to $3 billion.