Tehran, June 28, 2026 – Pursuant to the instructions of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a ceremonial signing of the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) Agreement on the granting of a land plot at Shahid Rajaee Port (Bandar Abbas) for the construction of a Kazakh transport and logistics terminal took place on June 28, 2026, at the Ports and Maritime Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Agreement was signed on behalf of the Kazakh side by Aman Malgazhdarov, General Director of the QazExportPromotion Corporate Foundation under the QazTrade Trade Policy Development Center JSC of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan. On behalf of the Iranian side, the Agreement was signed by Hossein Abbas Nejad, Head of the Ports and Maritime Organization of Hormozgan Province and Director of the Shahid Rajaee Port Special Economic Zone.
The signing ceremony was attended by Ontalap Onalbayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as representatives of the business community and the media.
The Agreement has been concluded for a period of 27 years, including a two-year construction phase followed by a 25-year operational period. The terminal is expected to commence commercial operations in the third year of the project.
The implementation of the project will become an important milestone in advancing transport and logistics cooperation between Kazakhstan and Iran. The establishment of a Kazakh terminal at Iran's largest seaport will strengthen the transit potential of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), enhance the resilience of logistics routes, and expand Kazakhstan's export opportunities by ensuring efficient access for Kazakh products to the markets of the Gulf countries, South and Southeast Asia, as well as East Africa.
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Onalbayev noted that the project represents a practical implementation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's policy aimed at developing modern transport and logistics infrastructure, diversifying international transport routes and strengthening Kazakhstan's position as one of Eurasia's leading logistics hubs. He emphasized that the construction of the terminal would further promote trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Iran.
For his part, Mohammad Shakibinsab, Head of the Ports and Maritime Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, congratulated the Kazakh side on the signing of the Agreement and underscored the strategic importance of the project for the further development of bilateral cooperation. He expressed confidence that the construction of the Kazakh terminal at Shahid Rajaee Port would give new impetus to transport and logistics cooperation and elevate Kazakhstan-Iran relations to a qualitatively new level.
As part of the visit programme, the Kazakh delegation will also visit Shahid Rajaee Port to familiarize themselves with the port and logistics infrastructure, as well as the preparations for the implementation of the project to construct the Kazakh transport and logistics terminal.
May 16, 2026 – In accordance with the instructions of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Iran, humanitarian aid was delivered to the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Kazakhstan Agency of International Development KazAID jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The handover ceremony of the humanitarian cargo to the Iranian Red Crescent Society took place at the Serakhs railway station..
The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Islamic Republic of Iran Ontalap Onalbayev, representatives of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, as well as the Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Khorasan Razavi Province (Mashhad), Gholamabbas Arbab Khales.
The humanitarian cargo included canned meat products, sugar, first-grade flour, medical supplies and medicines. The humanitarian assistance provided by the Kazakh side is intended to support the people of Iran and contribute to meeting socially significant needs.
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Iran Ontalap Onalbayev noted that Iran is one of Kazakhstan’s important political, trade-economic and humanitarian partners in the Middle East and the Islamic world.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed. Kazakhstan has consistently supported the people of Iran during various periods,” the Ambassador emphasized.
In turn, a representative of the Iranian Red Crescent Society expressed gratitude to the Kazakh side for the humanitarian assistance provided, noting that this step would contribute to further strengthening bilateral relations and mutual support between the two countries.
The humanitarian cargo, consisting of 30 railway wagons, will be delivered to the city of Tehran and distributed among the relevant institutions.
Tehran, February 25, 2026 – The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ontalap Onalbayev, met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Head of the Center for Political and International Studies of the Iranian MFA, Saeid Khatibzadeh.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the implementation of the agreements reached by the Heads of State following the official visit of the President of Iran, Masud Pezeshkian to Astana on December 10–11, 2025. In particular, special attention was paid to the organization of an exhibition of historical documents and manuscripts.
The Kazakh diplomat informed his counterpart about the decision of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to hold a national referendum on March 15, 2026, on the adoption of a new Constitution. The key provisions of the draft Constitution were presented, emphasizing that the constitutional reform is aimed at further modernizing the country’s political system, enhancing the efficiency of public administration, and strengthening democratic institutions.
In his turn, S. Khatibzadeh noted that he highly appreciates the political, socio-economic and cultural reforms successfully implemented in Kazakhstan under the leadership of President K.Tokayev as an important process ensuring the country’s sustainable and dynamic development.
He also expressed confidence that the large-scale and substantive transformations underway in Kazakh society will provide additional impetus to the expansion of bilateral cooperation and elevate Kazakhstan–Iran partnership to a new level.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue close cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
Tehran, 22 December 2025 – A Kazakhstan Cultural Evening was held at the Niavaran Historical and Cultural Complex in Tehran.
The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Islamic Republic of Iran and was attended by the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Iran Dr. Seyyed Reza Salehi Amiri, senior officials of the Ministries of Culture and Tourism and Foreign Affairs, ambassadors of foreign states accredited in Tehran, heads of international organizations, representatives of the cultural and academic community, as well as members of the media.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Islamic Republic of Iran Mr. O. Onalbayev emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Iran. He noted that for centuries the two countries have served as an important bridge between East and West, recalling the close interaction between the Great Kazakh Steppe and the ancient Iranian civilization during the era of the Great Silk Road in the fields of trade, science, and culture.
The Ambassador underlined that Kazakhstan today is a dynamically developing state with a strong international standing. He stressed that under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev comprehensive political, economic, and cultural reforms are being successfully implemented.
O.Onalbayev also noted that the development of friendly and good-neighborly relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran remains one of the key priorities of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, highlighting Iran as one of Kazakhstan’s important political and economic partners in the Middle East and the Islamic world.
In his remarks Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi Amiri welcomed the organization of the Kazakhstan Cultural Evening in Tehran and noted the steady expansion of bilateral cooperation in the fields of culture and cultural heritage. He emphasized that the shared civilization and historical heritage of the two nations create a strong foundation for further strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation.
The Minister expressed support for enhancing cooperation between cultural and artistic institutions of the two countries and voiced confidence that the event would contribute to further deepening bilateral cooperation in the fields of culture, cultural heritage and tourism.
The cultural evening continued with a performance by the «Serper» dombra ensemble from the Mangystau Region, who performed traditional Kazakh kui with great professionalism and were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Tehran, September 15, 2025 – A roundtable discussion dedicated to the Address of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the people of Kazakhstan was held at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Iran.
The event was attended by representatives of the Iranian expert association and journalists from local media.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Iran Ontalap Onalbayev touched upon the main directions of the Address of the Head of State “Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Current Challenges and Their Solutions through Digital Transformation” and provided the participants with comprehensive information on the political, economic and social reforms being implemented in our country.
The participants paid special attention to such priorities as the transition to a unicameral Parliament, the creation of a separate ministry for artificial intelligence and digital development, economic diversification, the construction of nuclear power plants, the development of transport and logistics infrastructure and support for the social sphere.
The Kazakh diplomat noted that the implementation of the important tasks raised in the Address will open up broad opportunities for foreign investors. He called on Iranian entrepreneurs to intensify bilateral cooperation by implementing joint projects in our country. This will allow us to fully and effectively use the potential for cooperation in priority sectors for both countries – primarily in the areas of transport, logistics and food security.
The participants of the round table expressed great interest in the changes taking place in Kazakhstan and noted the relevance of the issues raised in the President's Address.
According to Iranian experts, the timely implementation of the initiatives and reforms outlined in the above document will give new impetus to the sustainable and dynamic development of Kazakhstan.
They expressed confidence in the successful implementation of the specific tasks set out in it, emphasizing the systemic and comprehensive nature of the Address.
Tehran, April 5, 2025 – Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Islamic Republic of Iran Ontalap Onalbayev met with the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mr. Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri.
At the meeting, the parties discussed issues of strengthening ties between the two countries in the field of cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts, including increasing tourist flows and organizing mutual exhibitions of the cultural heritage of the two countries.
In addition, during the conversation, issues of developing multilateral cooperation within the framework of UNESCO, mutual support for the initiatives of the two countries aimed at preserving and protecting cultural heritage were discussed.
In his turn, Ambassador of Kazakhstan acquainted the Iranian side with the country's enormous potential in the field of tourism and the comprehensive measures taken in this direction in Kazakhstan.
Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri highly appreciated the economic achievements and tourism potential of Kazakhstan and expressed readiness to further develop cooperation in the field of tourism between the two countries.
The Iranian minister also stressed the importance of signing a memorandum of mutual cooperation in tourism to boost ties in the tourism sector. He noted that the ministry he heads will actively participate in the 20th meeting of the Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical, Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is scheduled to be held in Astana in the first half of 2025, emphasizing that this event will give new impetus to the development of tourism ties between the two countries.
Tehran, 25 February 2025 – The 35th Meeting of the Regional Planning Council (RPC) of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) commenced yesterday in Tehran, bringing together high-level delegations from ECO Member States, including Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The four-day meeting, running from 24 to 27 February 2025, will review the progress of ECO projects and programs while outlining the organization’s roadmap for the coming year.
As the ECO Chair for 2025, Kazakhstan inaugurated the event, with Mr. O.Onalbayev, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the ECO and Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Iran, presiding over the meeting. In his opening remarks, he reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation within ECO, emphasizing its role in fostering economic growth, trade, and sustainable development.
He also highlighted Kazakhstan’s key priorities as ECO Chair, including enhancing regional trade and connectivity, promoting energy cooperation, ensuring food security, and fostering digital transformation to boost economic competitiveness.
The meeting will continue with discussions across various ECO sectors, setting the stage for future cooperation and project implementation. The 35th RPC Meeting is expected to conclude on 27 February 2025 with the adoption of key recommendations, a Calendar of Events, a Work Program, and an Action plan for 2025 that will guide ECO’s activities in the year ahead.
On February 24, 2025, Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Iran O.Onalbayev held a productive meeting with Mohammad Hossein Farahani, Deputy General Director, one of the founders, and Technical Manager of "PetroNegarof Persia" (PNP), one of Iran’s leading companies in the field of nuclear medicine and diagnostic equipment production. I also met with Behnoush Teymourian, Deputy Technical Manager, and familiarized myself with the company’s production facilities and products.
During the conversation, parties explored opportunities for bilateral cooperation, including the implementation of a joint project in Kazakhstan to manufacture the company’s cutting-edge technological products and medical diagnostic equipment.
From February 14 to 16, 2025, a trade mission of Kazakhstan was organized in Tehran, which was attended by more than 50 companies from the food industry, logistics, chemical industry, manufacturers of construction materials and medical equipment.
As a result of the trade mission, 10 commercial documents worth about 92.8 million US dollars were signed.
More than 50 companies from the Kazakh side and 230 colleagues from the Iranian side took part in the B2B sessions, which contributed to an active discussion of cooperation opportunities.
In particular, business representatives from Akmola, Almaty, Turkestan, North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Kostanay, Karaganda, East Kazakhstan, Mangistau, Zhambyl and Kyzylorda regions took an active part on the Kazakh side.
At the same time, Iranian companies such as «SOLICO group», «Andia Market Camraniyeh», «Mahya Protein» and others held meetings at production sites.
On February 14-16, 2025, Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan A. Shakkaliyev, as part of a working visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, held meetings with the Minister of Agriculture of Iran G.N.Geselje, Minister of Industry, Trade and Mining S.M.Atabak, Minister of Roads and Urban Development S.Farzaneh, as well as the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Mining S.Hasanzadeh.
In addition, a meeting was held with the Council of Major Iranian Entrepreneurs, which was attended by leading Iranian enterprises from various sectors of the economy.
During the above-mentioned meetings, key issues of bilateral trade and the potential for expanding economic cooperation between the two countries were discussed.
At the meetings also discussed issues of attracting investment in the separation of production in Kazakhstan and the creation of Joint ventures.