Kyrgyzstan Seeks Expansion Of Economic Ties With Iran

Dushanbe, Dec 29, IRNA – Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Foreign Minister Adem Kulua said in a meeting with Iran's ambassador in Bishkek her country is interested in strengthening and expansion of relations with Islamic Republic of Iran. According to IRNA, Ms. Kulua in the meeting with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Najafi asked for the strengthening of ties with Iran, particularly in economic field. The Kyrgyz diplomat referring to the emphasis made by high ranking officials of both countries for deepening and strengthening relations between the two countries said that increasing the level of cooperation between the two neighboring countries is in the interest of both nations. She further emphasized, 'The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the great regional powers that has achieved advancements in various economic fields and therefore your country can assist Kazakhstan greatly in various economic fields.' Ambassador Najafi, too, in the meeting referred to the importance of increasing the volume of the two countries' annual trade. He also said that a greater extent of consultations and communications between our two countries is necessary. The two sides in the meeting surveyed the fields and potentials for expansion of bilateral relations and cooperation. Iran mainly exports clothing, nuts, paints and flooring to Kyrgyzstan and imports meat, grain and steel scraps. 180 industrial units are currently operating in Kyrgyzstan. According the to Iranian finance minister, the previously signed preferential trade agreement could be turned into a free trade agreement by the two sides to enhance the two-way trade. The two countries have already signed agreements on cooperation in the spheres of transport, customs, trade and economic relations. Iran and Kyrgyzstan interact in the spheres of education, culture, travel, customs, finances, campaign against trafficking and crime in general. The two countries trade in agriculture and capital goods. In 2008, Iran promised Kyrgyzstan 200 million Euros for some economic projects. Iranian companies participated in the construction of a highway connecting Bishkek and Osh. Iran and Kyrgyzstan hope to up the annual trade turnover to $100 million. In negotiations held during a visit of Head of parliamentary Committee on Budget and Finances Akylbek Zhaparov to Iran in July 2012, Iran expressed a wish to pour more than $1 billion into short-term projects in Kyrgyzstan and more than $10 billion into long-term projects./end