Categories: Hard NewsSelected

Iran, Uzbekistan determined to expand relations

Iran and Uzbekistan have emphasized their determination to promote Tehran-Tashkent relations in different areas, especially in various economic sectors.

Karimov-Rouhani

In a Thursday meeting with the Uzbek President, Islam Karimov, in Tajikistan’s capital city of Dushanbe, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran and Tashkent should tap into their “numerous economic potentials” in an effort to broaden bilateral ties.

Rouhani added that Uzbekistan, as a friendly country, enjoys a significant position in Iran’s foreign policy, and the ground should be prepared for the expansion of bilateral cooperation in line with the interests of both countries.

The Iranian president further highlighted the Islamic Republic’s geostrategic position in the region and described the country as a safe route for transit of goods to regional states, including Uzbekistan.

Karimov, in turn, expressed his country’s preparedness to strengthen economic relations with the Islamic Republic and welcomed an invitation by the Iranian president for an official visit to Tehran.

The Uzbek leader also proposed the formation of a joint committee to pursue the implementation of previous agreements reached between Tehran and Tashkent.

President Rouhani traveled to Tajikistan for a three-day visit on Wednesday to take part in the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The SCO is an intergovernmental organization that was founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Iran, along with four other countries, holds observer status in the organization.

Emad Askarieh

Emad Askarieh has worked as a journalist since 2002. The main focus of his work is foreign policy and world diplomacy. He started his career at Iran Front Page Media Group, and is currently serving as the World Editor and the Vice-President for Executive Affairs at the Iran Front Page (IFP) news website.