Uzbekistan Calls for Broadening of Ties with Iran

"Deep historical relations between Uzbekistan and Iran are strong backups for the expansion of bilateral ties," President Mirziyoyev wrote in his message on the occasion of 25th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties between Tashkent and Tehran.

The Uzbek president also wished health and success for the Iranian government and people.

In relevant remarks in late April, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia and Oceania Ebrahim Rahimpour underlined his country's preparedness to further develop all-out relations and cooperation with Uzbekistan.

"Iran is ready to develop bilateral ties between Tehran and Tashkent in all fields and is trying to link Uzbekistan to the international waters," Rahimpour said in a meeting with his Uzbek counterpart Javlon Vahabov in Tashkent.

He added that the investments made in Iran's Chabahar port will shorten the route used by the Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, to access the free waters.

Vahabov, for his part, underscored that the Uzbek president attaches much importance to ties with Iran, and added, "He has ordered preparation of the ground for the expansion of bilateral ties with Iran, specially in economic field."

In relevant remarks in February, Iran’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Bahman Agharazi said that Tehran and Tashkent are increasing cooperation in various economic fields.

Speaking to reporters in Tashkent, Agharazi said the two neighbors cooperate in goods transit and have agreed to extend cooperation to other economic and trade domains.

According to the ambassador, the two sides have also agreed to increase cooperation in passenger transfer and transit at their international airports.

He said Uzbekistan is the only country in Central Asia which is suitable for goods and passenger transfer and transit, and for the same reason talks have been held on ways to link the country to the Persian Gulf via Iran.

Agharazi became Iran’s new ambassador to Uzbekistan last year. Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov received the copies of his credentials at a meeting last year.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the status and priority areas of Uzbek-Iranian cooperation in political, trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres.

They reiterated mutual interest in intensifying the ties in the transport and communications sphere.

Further, the sides exchanged views on some issues of the international and regional politics.

Source: Fars