Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Kyrgyzstan is interested in strengthening and expanding its relations with Iran, particularly in economic fields, Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister Samargul Adamkulova said in a meeting with Iran's Ambassador in Bishkek Ali Najafi Khoshroudi, Iranian news agency IRNA reported last Saturday.

Adamkulova said that Iran can play a great role in the development of Kyrgyzstan's economy.

"Cooperation between the two neighboring countries is in the interest of both nations," Adamkulova said.

"Iran is one of the great regional powers that has achieved progress in various economic fields," the deputy minister added.

The Iranian ambassador, in turn, stressed the importance of increasing the two countries' annual trade.

"A greater extent of consultations and communications between our countries is necessary," the diplomat said.

Iran and Kyrgyzstan have already signed agreements on cooperation in the sectors of transport, customs, trade and overall economic relations.

Iran has expressed an interest in injecting more than $1 billion into short-term projects in Kyrgyzstan and more than $10 billion into long-term projects, and the two countries signed a relevant memorandum of understanding (MOU).

Iran and Kyrgyzstan also interact in education, culture, travel, agriculture, crime and other areas.

Iran promised Kyrgyzstan 200 million euros for some economic projects in 2008. Iranian companies participated in the construction of a highway connecting Bishkek and Osh.

Iran mainly exports clothing, nuts, paints and flooring to Kyrgyzstan and imports meat, grain and steel scraps. 180 industrial units are currently operating in Kyrgyzstan. According to the Iranian finance minister, the previously signed preferential trade agreement could be turned into a free trade agreement by the two sides to enhance bilateral trade.

Iran and Kyrgyzstan hope to up the annual trade turnover to $100 million.