ASTANA/TEHRAN -- Iran and Kazakhstan have signed 14 cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding in Astana, marking what both countries described as a “major and decisive step” in expanding bilateral ties. 
The deals were concluded during a ceremony attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, covering transportation, transit and logistics, cultural exchanges, legal assistance, health and medical care, diplomatic interaction, and media cooperation.
Speaking in Astana, Pezeshkian, who headed a high-level Iranian delegation, said the results of the visit represent “a major and decisive step” toward strengthening bilateral relations. 
He expressed optimism that political will in Tehran and Astana could raise trade and investment to levels “worthy” of the two nations.
“I believe that the results of this visit are a significant and decisive step on the path of strengthening bilateral cooperation, and the political will in Tehran and Astana can raise trade and investment between the two countries to a deserving level,” Pezeshkian said.
He highlighted the need to deepen ties to counter “the U.S. and some Western countries’ targeting of the identity and independence of sovereign states,” adding that the region faces a “complex” environment and growing unilateral approaches in global politics.
Iran and Kazakhstan have seen a 40% increase in bilateral trade over the past year, Pezeshkian said, and both countries are pursuing a roadmap aimed at raising trade to $3 billion. He emphasized the role of both the private and public sectors in removing obstacles to growth and promoting economic cooperation.
Pezeshkian described Kazakhstan as a “strategic partner” for Iran and emphasized the countries’ historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties. 
He noted that Tehran and Astana cooperate closely on regional and international issues and are active in organizations including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and in Caspian Sea affairs.
“The two countries have had good cooperation in various political, economic, and cultural fields and have also reached valuable agreements,” he said. 
He added that resolving banking issues and fully implementing the free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union would further expand trade.
During a joint Iran-Kazakhstan business forum, Pezeshkian emphasized the strategic position of the two countries in the regional transport network, describing

 transportation as “the engine of economic development” for both nations. 
“Iran, as the southern gateway to the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, and Kazakhstan, as the northern and eastern gateway to Central Asia, can establish an active transport corridor that would not only expand bilateral trade but also serve as a bridge connecting East and West Eurasia,” he said.
Tokayev praised Iran’s scientific and technological progress, attributing it to “effective policies and efforts” and noting that trade between the two countries has grown by 40% over the past ten months. 
He said roughly 700 Iranian companies operate in Kazakhstan in sectors including industry, infrastructure, and agriculture, while Kazakh firms invest in Iran across mining, transportation, logistics, and food production.
The Kazakh president highlighted the significance of regional projects, including the North-South transport corridor and the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway, saying they align with both countries’ interests.
During his visit, Pezeshkian also received an honorary doctorate from Nazarbayev International University, praising its role as a leading center for medical science and public health in Kazakhstan. 
He stressed Iran’s readiness to expand scientific and technological cooperation with Kazakh universities, including joint vaccine production, regional laboratory networks, and academic exchanges.