Kazakhstan, Iran Push Trade via North-South Corridor

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized the importance of the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway while making a joint press statement after talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Akorda.

President Tokayev highlighted the enormous potential for cooperation in transport and logistics, noting that 85 per cent of overland freight between Europe and China passes through Kazakhstan. He stressed the strategic value of the corridor for both countries, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Kazakhstan is modernizing railways, building highways, and enhancing Caspian Sea navigation, inviting Iranian investors to participate with incentives for the private sector. President Tokayev described Iran as a gateway to Southeast Asia and Africa, expressing gratitude for a land allocation in Shahid Rajaee Port, Bandar Abbas to strengthen cooperation.

The president also welcomed proposals for a joint Free Economic Zone in Mangystau, which could facilitate production from Iranian raw materials and supply regional markets.

Earlier, an official welcome ceremony was held for President Pezeshkian, followed by narrow-format and extended talks resulting in nine signed intergovernmental documents.