TEHRAN (Iran News) The “Iran–Kazakhstan Cultural Night” ceremony took place on Monday (Dey 1) in the Blue Hall of the Niavaran Palace Museum, as part of the newly launched “Shared Heritage, Enduring Bond” initiative. Designed by the Center for International Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy of Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, the program aims to introduce the cultural, tourism, and handicraft capacities of different countries and to create platforms for joint cooperation. Kazakhstan was selected as the first focal country of this initiative.

The ceremony was organized in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Iran and featured speeches by Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts; Ontalap Onalbayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Iran; and Hojjatollah Ayoubi, Head of the Center for International Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy at the Ministry. A significant number of ambassadors, diplomatic representatives, and figures from cultural and artistic circles were also present.

Speaking at the event, Ontalap Onalbayev highlighted the thousands of years of relations between Iran and Kazakhstan, noting that along the routes of the Great Silk Road, the two nations maintained continuous exchanges and lived in close interaction, much like members of a single community.

Referring to the recent visit of the President of Iran to Kazakhstan in December 2025 and the signing of the 2025–2028 Cultural Exchange Program, as well as other memoranda of understanding in the fields of cinema and archival cooperation, the Kazakh ambassador described these developments as important steps forward. He also announced upcoming plans to hold “Iran Cultural Days in Kazakhstan” and, reciprocally, “Kazakhstan Cultural Days in Iran.”

Onalbayev described the exhibition of historical documents related to bilateral relations as “a valuable treasure for studying shared history.” Titled “Historical Documents of Kazakhstan–Iran Relations,” the exhibition showcased 27 historical documents written in Persian, containing information about the history of the Kazakh people in the 18th and 19th centuries, their socio-economic conditions, relations with neighboring countries, and the political and economic situation of Turkestan.

Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, described the launch of this series of programs during Yalda Night as symbolic. He noted that Yalda itself is one of the oldest and most beautiful elements of shared heritage among Iran and other countries in the region—an ancient ritual that for centuries has brought people together around light, warmth, affection, and hope.

Referring to the previous hosting of the “Armenian Symphony” at Persepolis, Salehi-Amiri said that choosing Kazakhstan as the first guest country of this new initiative was a meaningful step toward strengthening cultural relations. He also pointed to the joint global registration of Nowruz by Iran, Kazakhstan, and other countries, calling it a successful experience that could serve as a valuable model for defining and implementing shared cultural projects with other countries in the region and beyond.

The minister further announced plans to hold the “Tourism Ministers’ Summit and Global Nowruz Celebration” in Tehran on Farvardin 8, 1405 (March 28, 2026), inviting the ambassadors present to encourage the participation of cultural figures and elites from their respective countries in this international event.

Emphasizing the trans-geographical nature of shared heritage, Salehi-Amiri stated that the great cultural and scientific figures who lived across this vast region belong to a land that can rightly be called the “Land of Affection.” He stressed that the goal of hosting such an event went beyond symbolism, aiming instead to examine opportunities and challenges related to tourism development, cultural heritage cooperation, and the promotion of handicrafts.

Hojjatollah Ayoubi, Head of the Center for International Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy, remarked that the “miracle of shared heritage” brings people of diverse lands together. He emphasized that in a world overwhelmed by information that creates an illusion of closeness, the best way to truly understand one another remains sitting together and engaging face to face.

The artistic segment of the ceremony featured a performance by the Iranian music group “Pazh,” led by Mortaza Goodarzi, a Khorasani musician and vocalist. This was followed by a performance by the Kazakh music group “Serper” from the Mangystau region, who played traditional pieces using the dombra. The group had previously performed at the Gorgan International Festival.

On the sidelines of the event, a traditional Kazakh yurt (nomadic tent) was set up, along with an exhibition of photographs and handicrafts from Kazakhstan, creating a lively and immersive atmosphere for guests. During the ceremony, the Kazakh ambassador presented a gift to Salehi-Amiri, saying in Persian, “According to Kazakh tradition, I present this gift.”

The ceremony concluded with traditional Iranian and Kazakh dishes served to guests, accompanied by hosting by Seyyed Abbas Sajjadi.

The post Iran–Kazakhstan Cultural Night Highlights Silk Road Legacy and Cultural Diplomacy appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the forum attended by the presidents of both countries, Hassan-Zadeh noted that the current volume of bilateral trade—estimated at around USD 350 million—could increase several-fold in the short term, given the existing potential.

He said the presence of both sides at the forum reflects a shared determination to enhance economic and commercial relations, which are rooted in historical and cultural ties, regional common interests, and vast economic capacities.

Hassan-Zadeh described Kazakhstan as one of the most significant economies in Central Asia and a strategic partner for Iran, enjoying a special position in the eyes of the Iranian private sector. He highlighted opportunities for cooperation in energy, agriculture, mining, maritime transport in the Caspian Sea, petrochemicals, basic metals, food industries, technical and engineering services, and pharmaceuticals.

Despite restrictions caused by sanctions, he said, opportunities for collaboration are emerging more than ever. However, challenges—including inadequate transport and logistics infrastructure, the absence of a joint bank and secure financial mechanisms, insufficient familiarity of businesses with each other’s markets, and competition from regional goods in Kazakhstan—remain major obstacles. Addressing these issues, he stressed, requires joint planning, government backing, and proactive private-sector engagement.

The head of Iran’s Chamber added that both public and private sectors have taken positive steps in recent years and have developed significant joint programs for the current and upcoming year. He expressed hope that closer coordination among institutions would accelerate this progress.

Pointing to the membership of Iran and Kazakhstan in key regional organizations—including the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), as well as their shared status as Caspian littoral states—Hassan-Zadeh said strengthening bilateral cooperation within these bodies could greatly facilitate trade, expand transport corridors, harmonize commercial regulations, and enhance regional economic stability. Continued consultations on regional and global issues and mutual support in international forums, he said, remain essential.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Hassan-Zadeh said the route, which passes through Iran and connects to Bandar Abbas, provides Kazakhstan and other CIS countries with access to the Persian Gulf and South and East Asian markets. Expanding this corridor would reduce transportation costs and play a key role in regional food security, energy cooperation, and trade. Completing the infrastructure of this corridor and removing operational obstacles, he stressed, should be at the forefront of joint efforts. “Iran–Kazakhstan”

He added that with improved infrastructure and the resolution of issues such as financial transfers, the private sectors of both countries could cooperate in industrial exports, technical and engineering services, scientific collaboration—particularly in nanotechnology and biotechnology—as well as tourism and health tourism. Iran, he noted, is ready to participate in Kazakhstan’s infrastructure, industrial, and commercial projects, invest in mining exploration and extraction, and engage in joint production ventures based on mutual interests. “Iran–Kazakhstan”

Hassan-Zadeh emphasized that Kazakhstan is a priority partner for Iran due to geographic proximity, shared interests, diverse capacities, and its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union. The Iran Chamber of Commerce, he said, is fully prepared to take practical steps to strengthen these relations. Achieving this goal, he concluded, requires joint action to eliminate avoidable barriers and pave the way for long-term, sustainable cooperation.

The post ICCIMA Chief Urges Removal of Iran–Kazakhstan Trade Barriers appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) During the meeting in Tehran, Khaki emphasized that Iran and Kazakhstan enjoy dynamic and growing trade relations and that, with new strategic planning, the volume of exchanges could reach the new target despite international challenges.

“Kazakhstan is one of the key countries in Central Asia and holds a special position in Iran’s regional economic interactions,” Khaki said.

He added that trade between the two nations stood at $340 million last year but expressed optimism that coordinated efforts could help achieve the $3 billion goal.

Khaki noted that relations between Iran and Kazakhstan have remained positive, stable, and expanding since Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991.

Highlighting the economic potential of Lorestan Province, Khaki said five of Iran’s main export products to Kazakhstan are produced locally in the province. A Kazakh delegation, he added, will visit agricultural, dairy, and construction material production units in Lorestan to explore investment and cooperation opportunities.

Lorestan, home to around 1.8 million people and covering 28,000 square kilometers, lies on a major north–south transit route and possesses significant resources in water, industry, mining, and agriculture.

“With 13 billion cubic meters of water resources — about 11% of Iran’s surface water — Lorestan is well positioned for investment in water-intensive industries,” Khaki said.

The province hosts over 1,300 industrial units, including major petrochemical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and non-metallic mineral industries. It also ranks among Iran’s top five provinces in decorative stone production, with 200 active stone-cutting facilities.

Khaki pointed out that Lorestan leads the country in black fig production and cold-water fish farming, producing 38,000 tons annually. A National Fisheries Festival is scheduled to take place in November.

He also highlighted the province’s agricultural strengths, with 800,000 hectares of fertile farmland and 100 hectares of advanced greenhouses producing healthy, export-oriented products.

Lorestan benefits from an active airport, customs facilities, north–south transit routes, and a railway line expected to connect to the provincial capital soon. The Khorramabad–Tehran freeway, nearing completion, will cut travel time to the capital to under four hours.

Khaki said the Khorramabad Chamber of Commerce plans to collaborate with the Iran–Kazakhstan Joint Chamber of Commerce to promote exports in petrochemicals, agriculture, and construction materials.

He also announced plans for trade delegations, joint exhibitions, and cooperation agreements, adding that preferential tariffs could further expand bilateral exports. “Iran–Kazakhstan”

Khaki underlined Lorestan’s rich cultural heritage — with over 63,000 years of history and several UNESCO-listed prehistoric sites. The Falak-ol-Aflak Castle, currently undergoing UNESCO registration, is among the attractions the Kazakh delegation will visit.

He added that long-term tax exemptions, National Development Fund loans, and private industrial zones offer strong incentives for foreign investment. “Iran–Kazakhstan”

Ambassador Ontalap Onalbaiyev, on a two-day visit to Lorestan, met with local officials and business leaders and toured several production sites and historical landmarks.

He stated that Tehran and Astana’s relations are rooted in shared historical, cultural, and civilizational ties and that both nations are determined to strengthen their cooperation in economic and cultural spheres.

“Iran and Kazakhstan have no political differences and have consistently supported each other on regional and international issues,” Onalbaiyev said.

According to the ambassador, bilateral trade reached $245 million in the first half of the current year — including $144 million in Kazakh exports and $101 million in Iranian exports. He expressed hope that trade would rise further through the activation of transit routes and joint projects.

Onalbaiyev also revealed that Kazakhstan is considering establishing a logistics hub in Bandar Abbas to expand its trade network with Iran, the Persian Gulf, and Iraq via the North–South Corridor.

He noted that Kazakhstan welcomes Iranian investment and offers incentives such as tax exemptions, investment guarantees, and long-term residence permits for foreign investors. Priority sectors include mining, agriculture, and processing industries, with several joint projects already underway.

“Cultural and academic cooperation should also be a foundation for deeper understanding between our nations,” he added. “As an Iranologist, I believe culture is the cornerstone of nations’ closeness.”

Onalbaiyev praised Lorestan’s hospitality and rich natural and cultural potential, expressing hope that cooperation between the private sectors of both countries will lead to sustainable economic partnerships.

The post Iran–Kazakhstan Trade Expected to Reach $3b appeared first on Iran News Daily.

Mokhber and Smailov were to hold a meeting to discuss issues of mutual interest, ways to expand Iran-Kazakhstan bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues.

Smailov’s trip to Tehran is aimed at expanding the economic and commercial relations between Iran and Kazakhstan.

The Kazakh prime minister is set to hold meetings with high-ranking Iranian officials during the upcoming visit.

Smailov is to meet Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi as well.

The Kazakh Prime Minister is visiting Iran amid the ongoing 3rd Trade and Economic Mission of Kazakhstan in Iran, which brought together 20 domestic producers of food, chemical, construction, light industry, and metallurgy products.

The talks were expected to result in the signing of a number of intergovernmental and commercial documents.

Iran-Kazakhstan trade volume in the first 10 months of 2022 reached $450 million. During this period, Iran’s exports to Kazakhstan increased by 26.5% to $167 million and imports from Kazakhstan to Iran increased by 15% to $283 million.

On Tuesday and before the arrival of Smailov, the Iran-Kazakhstan Business Forum was held with presence of a large trade delegation from Kazakhstan.

Smailov’s visit was aimed at enhancing all-out relation with Tehran as both countries are considered as the major powers in their regions.

Tehran and Astana in recent years have tried to expand their ties despite the U.S. sanctions and they have boosted their trade exchange while they enjoy an amicable political tie.

Apart from the talks on the latest situation of bilateral ties aimed at implementing the agreements inked previously in the presence of presidents of the two countries, the two sides were going to explore avenues for the all-out expansion of bilateral ties in the fields of economy, trade and politics.

Coordination for the promotion of cooperation between Tehran and Astana in the fields of transport, exports, technical and engineering services, transit, energy and banking relations are of the main topics which will be discussed during the Kazakh prime minister’s upcoming visit to Tehran.

The post Kazakh PM in Tehran to Boost All-Out Ties appeared first on Iran News Daily.

Speaking in the Iran-Kazakhstan Business Forum at Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture (ICCIMA), Kazakh Vice-Minister Kairat Torebayev emphasized that cooperation of Kazakhstan with Iran has a strong base, adding that currently 511 companies with investment of Iranians in different fields are active in Kazakhstan.

He went on to say that the trade volume between Iran and Kazakhstan was over $528m in 2022, adding that the figure showed 20% growth comparing to 2021 but unfortunately the figure has declined by 43% this year and it is mainly because of decline in purchase of wheat from Kazakhstan.

Torebayev noted that Kazakhstan is eager to cooperate with Iranians in the fields of tourism, fruits and vegetables, adding that Kazakh companies are ready to export to Iran over 100 items of goods worth of $162m, reiterating that Astana is ready for materializing the $3b trade target with Iran and use diplomatic capacity for linking traders of both sides.

He said petrochemical products, construction materials and fruits are major imports of Kazakhstan from Iran which is on the rise. He noted that boosting the bilateral trade is the policy of the Kazakh government and representatives of 20 companies have accompanied him to Tehran for talks and signing contracts.

Meanwhile in the forum, Head of ICCIMA Mr. Gholam-Hossein Shafei welcomed the vice minister and his entourage and said that Kazakhstan is one of important countries for Iran and trade with it is important. He noted that Kazakhstan has a special place in Iran’s foreign policy. He admitted that the current trade volume is not satisfactory despite both countries’ capacities. He also pointed to the presence of Kazakhstan in the SCO and EAEU and despite sanctions, today the ground is ready for boosting trade.

He reiterated lack of joint bank, banking problem, lack of infrastructures for transportation as well as lack of acquaintance to both countries’ markets are the hurdles in way of boosting the trade which should be taken into consideration and be resolved.

He hailed Kazakhstan for revoking visa regime for Iranians but he said that duration of visa for two weeks is not enough for businessmen and called for more attention on it.

Shafei added that the North-South Corridor is the best opportunity for cooperation wit Kazakhstan and this corridor will help the countries a great deal.

He also called for the launch of a committee for developing transportation. He said developing shipping transportation will reduce cost of trade exchange and portal infrastructures should be reinforced for marine transportation. He said soon the Iran-Kazakhstan Joint Chamber in collaboration with ICCIMA will open its trade center in Kazakhstan which will help traders of both countries for their businesses.

Addressing the event, Kazakh Ambassador to Tehran Askhat Orazbay said that this is the third Iran-Kazakhstan forum which turns into a tradition and shows the interest of Kazakhs for broadening trade ties with Iran. He then pointed to the exchange of trade delegations between the two countries and visit of Kazakhstan President to Tehran. He announced readiness of Kazakhstan embassy for cooperation with the ICCIMA for broadening trade and said that direct flight and easing visa issuance have helped the trade between the two countries to increase.

Meanwhile Head of Iran-Kazakhstan Joint Chamber Mr. Abedi, for his part, invited Kazakhs to attend IRANEXPO which will be held in Tehran on May 7-10 and called it a good opportunity for boosting cooperation.

He said that Kazakhstan’s annual trade volume is $135 while Iran’s share of it is less than 0.5% and this is not good for the country.

He also invited Kazakh traders to attend an exhibition which will be held on Kish Island this year.

The post Kazakhstan Keen to Expand Its Trade With Iran appeared first on Iran News Daily.

According to the reports, the ICCIMA will host economic officials and activists of both countries where the business activists will have time for B2B meetings for broadening cooperation.

Representatives of 20 Kazakh companies are to attend the forum as they are from different fields like light industries, agriculture and food industries, electronic industries, chemical industries, pharmaceutical industry, construction materials production and oil and gas industries.

The Kazakh trade delegation will be headed by Kazakh Prime Minister Alihan Smaiylov and some of trade officials of the country will also accompany the delegation.

The post ICCIMA to Host Iran-Kazakhstan Business Forum on April 25 appeared first on Iran News Daily.

According to reports, Kazakh Prime Minister Alihan Smaiylov, leading a trade delegation, will arrive in Tehran on April 27. and during the visit, the Kazakh delegation will discuss ways for broadening economic ties with Tehran as well as accelerating the economic agreements.

The delegation is also to attend the Kazakhstan-Iran Trade Forum which will be held by Iran’s Chamber of Commerce.

The post Kazakh Trade Delegation to Visit Tehran appeared first on Iran News Daily.

Speaking in a presser on Monday at the Embassy of Kazakhstan, Orazbay highlighted major developments regarding the March 19 parliamentary election in Kazakhstan. He first said that Kazakhstan has announced three days of holiday for celebrating Nowruz (New Year) as many countries in the region celebrate it.

He then said that the snap parliamentary (lower parliament) election is considered an important event in the framework of political developments in Kazakhstan, noting that Kazakh President pursues a new policy for building a country based on justice and this needs major developments in all fields and after the referendum, the parliamentary election is the other development.

Orazbay said that Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is determined to direct his country towards justice and reshuffling laws of election and helping openness and freedom of expression in the country. He reiterated the country needs a new parliament (Mazhilis) to help the president for building a new Kazakhstan.

In his Address to the Nation on September 1, 2022, President Tokayev said: “The holding of early elections to the Mazhilis and maslikhats is dictated by the logic of the constitutional reform, supported by citizens at the national referendum. According to its results, our country moved to new, fairer, and more competitive rules of formation of the representative branches of power“.

He then said that the Central Election Commission (CEC) announced the admission of all seven registered political parties to participate in the 2023 legislative elections to field their candidates according to their party lists as people will elect deputies for 98 seats in the parliament as 70% of deputies have been elected from the lists of political parties and 30% of deputies from the candidates who are not on the list of the political parties and they compete individually.

Aq Jol, Amanat, Auyl, Baytaq, National, People’s Party and Republica are seven qualified political parties which have lists in the election.

To be eligible to run for the seat in the Mazhilis, a candidate must be a citizen of Kazakhstan, be at least 25 years of age, and should also have resided in Kazakhstan for the past ten years, he said, adding that a candidate for the seat in the maslikhat must also be a citizen of Kazakhstan, live in the region the candidate wants to represent, and be at least 20 years of age.

Mr. Orazbay went on to say that Kazakhstan has invited observers for its election from 34 countries who are mainly heads of election commissions in their own countries.

He stated that to participate in the observation of the early parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan, invitations were sent on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to 10 international organizations: Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, CIS Executive Committee, CIS Inter-parliamentary Assembly, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, CSTO Parliamentary Assembly, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Organization of Turkic States, and Parliamentary Assembly of the Turkic States.

Orazbay said that CEC has so far accredited 111 international observers for the elections from 3 international organizations (the OSCE ODIHR, the Inter-parliamentary Assembly of the CIS member states, CIS observer mission) and 16 foreign states(PRC, the Kingdom of Netherlands, the State of Palestine, the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Belgium, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Armenia, Georgia, French Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Great Britain, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Estonia).

The election will be an acid test for Kazakhstan for experiencing new era and political development which can propel this country towards prosperity something that President Tokayev is determined to happen by recent drastic changes in political system and behaviors of the country.

The post March 19 Election,the Biggest Political Event for Future of Kazakhstan appeared first on Iran News Daily.

The Kazakh delegation was headed by Deputy Governor of Mangystau Region Mr. Kulzhanov Kanat Zhanbyruly and entered Mazandaran Province on Saturday.

Upon the arrival of the delegation in the province, it paid visits to the economic capacities of Mazandaran Province and also visited the strategic port and Amirabad Special Economic Zone.

Then the Kazakh delegation had a meeting with officials of this province and economic activists.

In the meeting, Head of Mazandaran Chamber of Commerce Mr. Abdollah Mohajer Darabi welcomed the Kazakh delegation and accepting the invitation to visit the province and announced readiness of Mazandaran Province for broadening the trade ties.

He then pointed to the visit of governors general of both provinces in the last decade which were planned for knowing the capacities and capabilities of both sides.

Mr. Mohajer Darabi then pointed to the historic relation between Iran and friendly and neighboring Kazakhstan and stipulated that it seems both sides have gained enough acquaintance about their capacities during these years and now it is time to operationalize it in line with broadening trade.

He further said that Aktau Port of Kazakhstan and Amirabad Port of Iran are an important capacity for trade by the sea as the goods can be taken to the destination in 48 hours. He also called for creating strong and more tie between the two provinces with pursuing it by the governors of Mazandaran and Mangystau.

Mohajer Darabi further said that Iran has exported goods worth of $160m to Kazakhstan and Mazandaran has accounted for $15m of the amount although this is small level but it can be expanded. He reiterated that Mangystau Region is very important for Mazandaran and called for the launch of an economic center in this province. He then pointed to solving the visa problem which was materialized by presidents of both countries and called for zeroing the tariff which can ease the trade exchange between the two countries and this problem can be solved with pursuing it by both sides.

He also called for operationalizing the previous agreements between the two states and called for the launch of a workgroup by both sides.

The governor of Mazandaran further called for the launch of weekly flight between Mazandaran and Mangystau, broadening cooperation in tourism, fishery, cultivation, technical knowledge especially in architecture.

Then Zhanbyruly, for his part, pointed to the capacities of both sides in agriculture, fishery and horticulture, mass construction and architecture and called for broadening the trade between entrepreneurs of both sides.

He expressed his positive views regarding the proposals of Mazandaran governor and called for submitting the proposals to him to transfer it to the economic activists of Mangystau.

The post Iranian, Kazakh Provinces Seek Broadening Trade appeared first on Iran News Daily.

Ali Akbar Safaei, also a deputy transportation minister, said on Tuesday that the PMO will support the activities of Kazakh investors in ports in north and south of Iran.

He made the remarks in a meeting with Kazakh Ambassador to Tehran Askhat Orazbay. Iran’s ambassador to Kazakhstan Majid Samadzadeh also attended the meeting via video conference.

Safaei said in the meeting that Iran and Kazakhstan need to develop a joint maritime trade plan in light of recent regional developments which have led to efforts by Russia to expand its trade ties with countries in the Persian Gulf.

For his part, the Kazakh ambassador said that companies from his country have plans for investment in Iranian ports.

Orazbay insisted that Kazakhstan seeks to expand its trade and economic relations with regional countries through the Iranian ports.

He said Kazakhstan is seeking to implement transportation projects in Iran as part of its strategic policy to access international waters.

The post Iran Seeks Direct Shipping Line to Kazakhstan appeared first on Iran News Daily.