Tehran: Tehran and Astana are committed to strengthening cultural and economic ties based on their longstanding historical, cultural, and civilizational bonds, Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Iran says. Ontalap Onalbaiyev, the ambassador of Kazakhstan in Tehran, made the remarks in a meeting with the board of directors of the Lorestan Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Onalbaiyev stated that the two nations share deep cultural and civilizational commonalities, which can serve as a foundation for boosting cooperation in various fields. The relations between the two countries have witnessed steady growth in political, economic, and cultural areas in recent years, with top officials giving special attention to expanding these ties.

Onalbaiyev added that Kazakhstan and Iran have no political differences and have consistently supported each other in international and regional matters. Highlighting the need to increase bilateral trade, the envoy mentioned that exchanges between the two countries in the first half of 2025 reached nearly $245 million, with Kazakhstan exporting goods worth $144 million and Iran exporting $101 million.

He expressed hope that trade would rise further in the coming months with the activation of transit routes and joint projects. Onalbaiyev also pointed to Iran’s strategic geographical position in regional transit, noting that Kazakhstan is considering establishing a logistics hub in Bandar Abbas. He said the project would allow Astana to expand trade with Iran as well as markets in the Persian Gulf and Iraq through the International North-South Transportation Corridor.