Iran, Kazakhstan Boost Cooperation in Drug Campaign

TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Chairman of Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaoddin Boroujerdi called for the expansion of Iran-Kazakhstan ties and cooperation in such areas as fighting illicit drugs and terrorism.

According to a report released by the Information and Media Department of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Boroujerdi made the remarks in a meeting with Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Tehran here on Tuesday.

Also during the meeting, the Iranian MP voiced pleasure in the two countries’ desirable and developing relations.

Noting the abundant potentials existing in both countries for the development of mutual cooperation and relations, he voiced the Iranian parliament’s preparedness to support expansion of mutual ties with Astana in economic, trade, security and political areas.

Elsewhere the lawmaker noted the present conditions in the region, and stressed that current developments, specially the undesirable situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, require enhanced convergence by regional states to safeguard security and stability of those countries which share joint interests and concerns.

“The said conditions have also made further expansion of ties and cooperation between Iran and Kazakhstan crucially significant,” he continued.

Boroujerdi expressed pleasure in the upcoming visit to Tehran by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, and said the visit would pave the ground for the two countries’ fresh cooperation in the different political, economic and trade spheres.

He also welcomed an invitation by his Kazakh counterpart for paying an official visit to Astana, and expressed the hope that the trip would take place as soon as possible.

For his part, Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Tehran viewed his country’s relations with Iran as desirable, and further called for the development of mutual cooperation and relations.

He said that the Kazakh parliament and government attach importance to the expansion of ties with Iran as they appreciate Iran’s strategic significance in the region, adding that his country believes both states enjoy abundant potentials for the further deepening of relations.

Also describing Iran’s political, trade and geographical position as excellent, considering its shared borders with Kazakhstan and her link to the Persian Gulf, the diplomat called on the Iranian parliament to assist his country to gain access to the Persian Gulf through Iran.