Iran’s First Vice President Mohammadreza Aref said on Friday that Tehran is ready to expand private sector-driven exchanges with Eurasian countries, including through barter trade, after attending a regional meeting in Kyrgyzstan.
Speaking in Tehran following his return from Bishkek, where he joined the Eurasian Economic Union Council of Prime Ministers, Aref said regional economies could complement each other and highlighted Iran’s scientific, technological and industrial capacities.
“The Eurasian region is one of Iran’s priorities due to its cultural, historical and civilizational ties, as well as its long-standing relations,” Aref said. He added that observer membership in the bloc and the implementation of a free trade agreement had already boosted exchanges, but more progress was needed in consultation with member states.
He said Tehran had pushed for greater private sector involvement, including through talks on visa waivers and possible new direct flights with countries lacking air links. He added that the Iranian delegation also raised Israel’s attacks on Iran and the war in Gaza, urging regional consensus to support Palestinians.