WANA (Dec 10) – A Kyrgyz economic delegation, led by the Deputy Foreign Minister, Temirbek Erkinov, met with the CEO of Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization,  Ali Akbar Safaee, expressing Bishkek’s readiness to expand port cooperation with Tehran and invest in a joint logistics center with Eurasia in Iran’s southern ports.

 

During a key meeting between Iranian and Kyrgyz officials, Erkinov highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s landlocked status, emphasizing that access to open waters through Iran’s commercial ports is a key strategy for Bishkek to enhance transit and maritime cooperation with Iran.

 

Erkinov revealed that discussions on expanding Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port for transit and investment purposes have been underway for some time, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral logistics infrastructure.

 

The Kyrgyz delegation, which included high-ranking officials from the transport, economy, and justice sectors, also expressed Kyrgyzstan’s readiness to collaborate on establishing a logistics zone at the port. This development aims to streamline export, import, and transit operations between the two countries.

 

In response, Safaee, CEO of Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization, voiced strong support for foreign investments, particularly in Iran’s special economic and free trade zones. “Investment by Kyrgyzstan’s private sector in both northern and southern ports will provide significant benefits, including discounts and improved facilities for traders and transit goods,” he stated.

 

The visit marks an important step in strengthening Kyrgyzstan’s role as a central player in the region’s transportation and logistics networks, further solidifying the growing partnership between the two nations.