Ali Najafi Khoshroudi: "Kyrgyzstan and Iran Have Much in Common"
In his welcoming speech, Ali Nadzhafi emphasized that the Kyrgyz Republic and Iran have a lot in common, particularly in cultural and historical heritage: it is no coincidence that there are many words of Persian origin in the Kyrgyz language. Currently, according to the ambassador, democracy and popular governance unite the IRI and the KR in both countries.
- Today, I can proudly say that the relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kyrgyz Republic are experiencing a very dynamic and promising period, - noted Ali Nadzhafi. - Recently, the President of the KR, Almazbek Atambayev, visited Iran on an official visit, and two years ago, our President Hassan Rouhani made his first foreign visit to the Kyrgyz Republic. There had not been visits at such a level between our countries for more than 13 years. During Mr. Atambayev's visit to the IRI, about eight cooperation documents were signed, as well as a joint statement by the presidents of both countries. Over the past 6-8 months, the heads of our states have been corresponding, expressing mutual desire to develop cooperation.
According to the diplomat, cooperation between Iran and Kyrgyzstan has great potential, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, agriculture, new technologies, and transportation. Cultural interaction is also developing. Preparations are underway for the "Days of Iranian Culture in Kyrgyzstan," and the Iranian national team plans to participate in the World Nomad Games, which will take place in the KR in September of this year.
- Negotiations are underway regarding investment, - the ambassador reported. - We plan to hold the 11th meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission of Kyrgyzstan and Iran soon. A large delegation will arrive from the IRI, including many representatives from leading firms and companies from both the private and public sectors, as well as officials. A document on the establishment of a Kyrgyz-Iranian working group on investment will be on the agenda. We hope it will be signed.
In response to journalists' questions about whether the project for the construction of a hydroelectric power station on the Naryn River is of interest to Iranian investors, Ali Nadzhafi Khoshroudi replied that this is not currently being discussed:
- Iran has extensive experience in the construction of dams and hydroelectric power stations. After the revolution in our country, hundreds of dams and HPPs were built. The Kyrgyz Republic has enormous potential in hydropower. However, at this time, there are no specific projects planned in this area. The volume of investment in the mentioned facilities is very large, and a lot of joint work is needed to study the possibilities and details of the project, - explained the ambassador.
