WANA (Aug 15) – Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref highlighted the long-standing cultural, historical, and civilizational ties between Iran and Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing that economic relations between Tehran and Bishkek should expand in line with these historical and cultural bonds.

 

During a meeting with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Qasym Aliyev on the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Prime Ministers’ meeting, Aref referred to attacks by Israel and the United States amid indirect Iran-U.S. negotiations.

 

He condemned these actions as violations of international law and regulations safeguarding peaceful nuclear facilities, and expressed gratitude for Kyrgyzstan’s condemnation of these attacks within various regional organizations.

 

Noting a 30 percent growth in bilateral trade, Aref said, “The Iran-EAEU free trade agreement provides a valuable opportunity to boost trade and private-sector cooperation between our countries.”

 

He also highlighted the formation of an investment committee and the activation of the Joint Cooperation Commission as mechanisms to deepen bilateral ties.

 

Aref stressed facilitating visa issuance for Iranian tourists and businesspeople, noting that Iran has prepared the necessary infrastructure for Kyrgyz citizens’ visits and called for the swift establishment of direct flights between the two countries.

 

He further emphasized the importance of developing cooperation in finance and banking, tourism, transportation, and logistics, student and faculty exchanges, and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. He added that Iran is fully ready to share its experiences and achievements with Kyrgyzstan and provide access to international waters.

 

“Tourism, given its role in strengthening relations, is an excellent platform for enhancing cooperation,” Aref said, underlining the high tourism potential of both countries and the need to increase people-to-people exchanges.

 

He noted that Iran’s border provinces have been granted special authority to engage neighboring countries, promoting regional cooperation. Aref also invited Prime Minister Qasym Aliyev to visit Iran to consolidate bilateral agreements and wished Kyrgyzstan a happy Independence Day, noting that Iran was among the first countries to recognize Kyrgyzstan’s independence.

 

Prime Minister Qasym Aliyev stressed Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to strong and friendly relations with Iran, describing recent diplomatic exchanges as a milestone for activating bilateral ties.

 

He called for full activation of joint commissions to expand economic and other areas of cooperation and emphasized the importance of increasing trade volume between the two countries.

 

Aliev also highlighted the need to finalize the draft Iran-Kyrgyzstan cooperation agreement promptly, instructing all relevant Kyrgyz authorities to implement the agreed measures. He noted that establishing direct flights and facilitating banking and financial interactions would further support bilateral engagement.

 

Referring to the Conference of Landlocked Developing Countries, Prime Minister Aliev underlined the strategic importance of access to international waters and prioritized the development of transit, economic, and corridor projects with Iran. He concluded by affirming Kyrgyzstan’s strong interest in developing both bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Iran across various sectors.

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Qasym Aliyev 

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Qasym Aliyev. Social media/ WANA News Agency