In a meeting between the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tehran on Sunday, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the importance of leveraging their commonalities to enhance relations across various domains.

Ayatollah Khamenei underscored the distinctive historical, cultural, and scientific ties between the two nations. He commended the initiation of a new phase in bilateral relations after a prolonged period of suspension, noting that Iran and Uzbekistan had experienced limited interaction for years.

Expressing optimism, Ayatollah Khamenei anticipated that President Mirziyoyev’s visit and discussions with senior Iranian officials would open the doors to a promising future in their relations. He highlighted Iran’s capacity to provide a gateway for Uzbekistan to access the high seas through Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, emphasizing that bilateral cooperation extends beyond trade and transportation.

We are pleased about the revival of #Iran–#Uzbekistan relations after a long break. The historical, cultural, and scientific affinity between the two countries is unparalleled, and cooperation between the two should be expanded as much as possible. pic.twitter.com/FJUEji7Hwb

— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 18, 2023

Furthermore, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the potential for collaboration in scientific and technological fields, asserting that advancements in these areas could enhance mutual cooperation. He urged both Tehran and Tashkent to disregard those who oppose the expansion of relations, emphasizing the need for a forward-looking approach. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has the capability to connect Uzbekistan to high seas through Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. And the grounds for bilateral cooperation exceed trade and transportation,” Ayatollah Khamenei stated.

President Mirziyoyev, in attendance along with President Ebrahim Raeisi, expressed his admiration for the historic meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei. He praised the Iranian nation’s resilience in the face of US-led sanctions and lauded Iran’s remarkable achievements, particularly in science and technology. He highlighted that these accomplishments serve as a testament to the fact that nations can attain significant goals by adhering to the wise guidance of their leaders and fostering unity.

The meeting between Ayatollah Khamenei and President Mirziyoyev exemplifies the shared commitment to strengthening ties between Iran and Uzbekistan, utilizing their common heritage and exploring avenues for cooperation in diverse fields.

Signing of Joint Communiqué and 10 Cooperation Agreements

In a significant step towards bolstering bilateral relations, top officials from Iran and Uzbekistan gathered in Tehran on Sunday to sign a joint communiqué and 10 cooperation agreements. The meeting, attended by Raisi and the Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, culminated in the signing of these pivotal agreements.

The cooperation agreements encompass a wide range of sectors, including preferential trade, transportation, pharmaceuticals, insurance, the establishment of joint free trade zones, technology and innovation, and agriculture. This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation and capitalize on the potential for mutual growth and development.

President Mirziyoyev’s visit to Tehran marks an official and momentous occasion, underscoring the significance of bilateral relations between Iran and Uzbekistan. The visit follows President Raisi’s attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand in September 2022, where fruitful discussions and exchanges took place.

During President Raisi’s visit to Samarkand, Iran and Uzbekistan signed 17 memoranda of understanding and cooperation documents, laying the foundation for enhanced collaboration across various sectors.

These recent developments highlight the shared commitment of Iran and Uzbekistan to strengthen their ties and tap into the vast potential for cooperation and synergy. The signing of the joint communiqué and cooperation agreements sets the stage for deeper engagement, increased economic integration, and mutual benefits for both nations.

Source: Al-Manar English Website