A high-ranking economic delegation from Kyrgyzstan, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Temirbek Erkinov, met on December 11 with Ali Akbar Safaei, Deputy Minister of Transport and Urban Development of Iran and head of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO), to discuss the establishment of a joint Eurasian logistics center in southern Iranian ports, reports Eurasiatoday.ru.
The Kyrgyz delegation included Deputy Minister of Transport Almaz Turgunbaev, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade Nazarbek Malaev, and Deputy Minister of Justice Orozbek Sidikov.
During the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Temirbek Erkinov emphasized the strategic necessity for the country to have access to the sea, noting that utilizing Iran’s trade ports is a key priority for Bishkek in strengthening transit and maritime trade links with Tehran.
“Negotiations began some time ago to facilitate Kyrgyzstan’s investment and transit operations through Shahid Rajaee Port. We are ready to cooperate with Iran to implement the project for a joint logistics zone in the port,” he said.
He also stressed that Kyrgyzstan’s investments in the port are aimed at creating a dedicated point for export, import, and transit operations under Iranian law, as well as fostering cooperation within various transport corridors.
Ali Akbar Safaei, head of the Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran, stated that Kyrgyz investors would be able to use Iranian port infrastructure and shipping lines to access global markets.
“Kyrgyzstan’s private sector investments in Iran’s northern and southern ports will receive significant benefits and advantages,” he added.
Earlier, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Economy and Commerce Daniyar Amangeldiev held a meeting in Bishkek with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Gholam Hossein Yadegari, where they discussed key issues in strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
December 12, 2024