TEHRAN – Iranian Transport and Urban Development Minister Rostam Qasemi said Iran and Kazakhstan have agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop cooperation in the transportation and transit sectors, IRIB reported.

Qasemi made the remarks after a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhumangarin Serik in Tehran on Monday.

According to the minister, the MOU covers cooperation in a variety of areas including smartening of customs, equalization of tariffs, and facilitation of visa issuance for Iranian drivers and businessmen.

Referring to a recent visit of Kazakhstan’s Trade Minister to Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port, Qasemi said: "Kazakhstan is going to cooperate with Iran in rail, road, sea and air transportation and cargo transfer through the North-South and East-West corridors."

***Kazakhstan eyes establishing export terminal in southern Iran

Prior to meeting Qasemi, Zhumangarin Serik has said his country was seeking to cooperate with Iran in establishing an export terminal in the Islamic Republic’s southern Bandar Abbas Port.

Serik who arrived in Tehran on Monday for a two-day visit told the press that he will negotiate with the Iranian authorities about participation in the construction of a large export terminal for transiting his country’s products through Iran.

Stating that his country is looking for the development of export routes for its agricultural products to the Indian subcontinent, the official added: “Our proposal to Iran is not only about building a grain terminal, but also includes related structures and equipment, including wheat and flour warehouses, cold stores and equipment for storing meat.”

This Kazakh official stated that in case of reaching an agreement with Iran, the private sector of his country will pay for the implementation of this project.

During his visit to Iran, Zhumangarin is also scheduled to meet with Agriculture Minister Javad Sadatinejad.

The Kazakh delegation will also learn more about the capabilities and facilities of the Iranian logistics, transportation, and transit sector in meetings with officials of the mentioned sectors.

In early October, Kazakhstan Prime Minister Alikhan Ashanuly Smaiylov emphasized the importance of improving the level of cooperation between Tehran and Astana in the oil swap, as well as industry, agriculture, scientific and cultural sectors.

The official made the remarks in a meeting with Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber on the sidelines of the Second Caspian Economic Forum in Moscow on Thursday.

Mokhber, for his part, said that the level of trade between Iran and Kazakhstan can quickly reach three billion dollars, considering the existing capacities of the two countries.

The Kazakh prime minister welcomed the proposal of Iran’s first vice president and stated that the necessary fields and capacities of the two countries are ready to raise the level of trade exchanges between Iran and Kazakhstan and reach three billion dollars a year.

Mokhber then announced Iran's readiness to send mining companies to Kazakhstan and added: “Tehran is ready to cooperate with Astana in port, dam construction, hydropower plant construction, knowledge-based and technical and engineering services.”

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photo: Transport Minister Rostam Qasemi (L) and Kazakh Trade and Integration Minister Zhumangarin Serik talk to the press after meeting in Tehran on Monday.