Iran–Kazakhstan relations

Iran–Kazakhstan relations

Iran	Kazakhstan

Iran–Kazakh relations are the foreign relations and diplomatic ties between Iran and Kazakhstan.

Since Kazakhstan is a relatively newer country after the dissolution of the USSR bloc, Iran's relationship with the country is therefore also new. According to Kazakhstan, diplomatic relations between the two countries began on January 29, 1992. The mission of Kazakhstan was set up in the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1993 with a consulate created in 2007 (Gogan). As for Iran, they established an embassy in Kazakhstan in 1992 with two consulates created in 1992 (Aktau) and 2012 (Almaty).^[1]

Trade[]

Trade turnover between the two countries increased fivefold in the last six years from $400 million to more than $2 billion in 2009.^[2]

Iran imports grain, oil products and metals from Kazakhstan.^[2] Iran is a partner in joint oil and gas projects including construction of a pipeline connecting Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran (Persian Gulf) which will give Astana access to the Asian markets. Kazakhstan has special interests in Iranian investments in mechanical engineering, infrastructure, transport, telecommunications.^[2]

While the countries of Iran and Kazakhstan are extremely diverse, they have found common ground in working together as Asian countries. A large component of what ties them together is the fact that they both have borders on the Caspian Sea. The resources and access that comes from that resource is a link for their economics and resources. Such economic interests for the two countries revolve around oil whether it be underwater or subterranean.^[3] Also, in conversations in 2010 between high level Iranian and Kazakhstani officials there was discussions as to how well the two countries felt their relations were increasing. At that point in their relationship, Iran and Kazakhstan were looking to further develop their connection, especially through agriculture and transportation (air and rail).^[3]

On-going commitment[]

The relationship of the two countries also evolved heavily through their mutual cooperation in international organizations. Some notable examples of relations in that field are through the United Nations (UN) and the Economic Cooperation Organization.^[3] Also, over 60 contracts since the diplomatic mission began are ensuring that Iran and Kazakhstan have legal and diplomatic obligations to each other.^[1]

Another facet to the relationship between Iran and Kazakhstan is that they seem committed to holding meetings and summits as to further their cooperation. The two countries, especially their leaders, have stressed that they feel a commitment to furthering the worth and strength of their currencies. Another way that they have expressed to the journalism community about ways to continue their strong relationship is through making visa requirements easier between the two countries, which they seem to feel would help increase the interests of Iranian and Kazakhstani business in the other respective country.^[4]

Kazakhstan's Prime Minister expressed their intention of expanding trade ties with Iran, during his meeting with the Iranian Minister of Agriculture in 2019, according to Fars News.^[5]

Iranian Ambassadors to Kazakhstan[]

1. ; July 28, 1992 - September 3, 1996
2. ; 26 September 1996 - 28 May 2000
3. ; November 22, 2000 - October 18, 2004
4. Ramin Mehmanparast; March 15, 2005 - August 13, 2009
5. ; March 30, 2010 - April 12, 2014
6. ; May 6, 2014 - August 22, 2018
7. ; since November 17, 2018.

References[]