During the event, Aref is expected to deliver a speech and hold meetings aimed at enhancing bilateral, multilateral, and regional cooperation.
With the approval of the heads of the five member states – Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia – Iran became an observer member of the EAEU in 2024.
First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref says that strengthening relations with neighboring countries – particularly those in the Eurasian region – is a priority for Iran.
He made the remarks at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport on Thursday before departing for Kyrgyzstan.
Aref said that attending and delivering a speech at the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)’s prime ministers’ meeting is among the main objectives of his two-day visit.
As Kyrgyzstan currently holds the rotating presidency of the union, the event will take place this Friday in Cholpon-Ata, located in northeastern Kyrgyzstan. Iran was granted observer status in the union last year with the unanimous approval of the five member countries, including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.
Aref stressed that expanding ties with neighboring countries, especially those in Eurasia, has been of importance to the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly during President Masoud Pezeshkian’s term of office.
Highlighting the deep cultural and historical connections between Iran and the countries of the Eurasian region, Aref noted that these shared ties necessitate the enhancement of cooperation across all sectors.
He added that Iran has made significant progress in this regard over the past year, including the finalization of a free trade agreement with the EAEU. Cross-border trade, transit, and logistics cooperation between Iran and the EAEU are also on the rise.
Aref explained that the Prime Ministers’ meeting is held annually to review the past year’s performance and explore ways to deepen cooperation.
He further emphasized that Iran’s cooperation with the EAEU has grown over the past year and that the Iranian administration is working to establish the necessary frameworks for Iran’s full membership in the union.
