Iran, Uzbekistan deepen ties along trade, transit, and cultural cooperation

Senior officials hail ‘remarkable expansion’ in relations as 16th Joint Commission meets in Tehran

TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Iran and Uzbekistan have pledged to expand cooperation across a range of sectors, including trade, transit, energy, and culture, during the 16th meeting of their Joint Cooperation Commission held in Tehran.

The meeting coincided with the official visit of Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, who was received by Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref. 

Both sides emphasized the strengthening of bilateral ties under Iran’s 14th administration, attributing recent progress to the political will of their respective presidents.

“The 14th administration is committed to broadening cooperation with Uzbekistan in all areas,” Aref stated. 

He highlighted long standing historical and cultural ties and called Uzbekistan “a brotherly nation,” pointing to joint potential in energy, tourism, science, and trade.

Iran also offered to serve as the most efficient transit route for Central Asian countries, with Aref noting that the country’s ports on the Persian Gulf are fully equipped to handle Uzbek trade. 

He stressed enhancing transport corridors, technical exchanges, and private sector engagement to build sustainable partnerships.

Prime Minister Aripov described Iran as “a close friend and reliable partner,” marking 30 years of diplomatic relations. 

He said strategic planning between the countries’ leaders had created a roadmap for expanding cooperation, especially in trade, which currently stands at $500 million.

Aref hosted Aripov at Tehran’s Sa’dabad Cultural and Historical Complex before the official talks. 

During the visit, both sides signed multiple agreements, including the formal document of the 16th Joint Commission. A new Uzbekistan Trade Center was also inaugurated in Tehran.

The visit included a joint business forum and finalization of bilateral deals by Iran’s Industry Minister Seyed Mohammad Atabak and his Uzbek counterpart Laziz Kudratov.