Iran, Kyrgyzstan ties to benefit regional peace, stability: FM

Twenty-five years of ties between Tehran and Bishkek and a growing trend of mutual relations between Iran and Kyrgyzstan undoubtedly are going to foster more development of the two countries and regional and global peace and stability, Zarif said during a joint press conference with his Kyrgyz counterpart Erlan Abdyldaev on Wednesday.

“Stability, development and well-being in Kyrgyzstan and Iran are one and the same,” Zarif said.

“For the same reason Iran sees no limits to expand ties with Kyrgyzstan in all spheres,” he said.

Iran’s top diplomat also said that Tehran and Bishkek have agreed to hold continued consultations.

“We also agreed to exchange views on regional issues, extremism, terrorism and illicit drugs,” Zarif said.

Promoting mutual ties in all areas were among other topics of our discussions, the Iranian Foreign Minister said.

The two sides have decided to throw their weight behind construction of a railroad connecting China to Iran and passing through Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, Zarif said.

Agreements were also made on furthering banking ties between the two nations, he said.

“Unfortunately, during the past few years and as a result of international sanctions against Iran, engagement of Iran’s companies and investors with Kyrgyzstan tended to get lower and lower,” Zarif said.

“But now following the removal of sanctions grounds have been prepared for increasing engagement of Iranian companies and investors with the country,” he added.

Foreign minister has been visiting three countries of Turkmenistan, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan at the invitation of his counterparts and on occasion of the 25th independence anniversary of these three countries.

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