President Rouhani Begins Tour of Caucasus, Central Asia
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani began a tour of regional countries on Wednesday that will take him to Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan for what he described an effort to strengthen relations with the neighboring countries.
Speaking to reporters in Tehran before flying to Yerevan, President Rouhani said close ties with the neighboring countries has always been on the agenda of Iran’s policies, which would serve the economic and national security interests.
Highlighting the significance of the three countries in the region, the president expresses Iran’s readiness to provide broad technical and engineering services for Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
The three countries are all members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), he added, stressing that Iran seeks closer economic relations with those nations through preferential tariffs and free trade.
President Rouhani also emphasized the important role that Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan play in the international corridors that link Iran to the Black Sea and Europe or to Central Asia and China.
As regards the other topics expected to be discussed in his official visits, the president pointed to negotiations on regional issues, counter-terrorism efforts, and cultural cooperation.
In his one-day visit to Yerevan, President Rouhani will hold talks with his Armenian counterpart on various issues, including ways to further deepen bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.