Kazakhstan Offers Turkistan as Venue for Iran Peace Talks, Foreign Minister Confirms

Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister, Yermek Kosherbayev, held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, on Thursday, March 26. The discussion focused on the current situation in the Middle East and pressing issues of bilateral cooperation.

During the call, Minister Kosherbayev expressed Kazakhstan's concern regarding the situation surrounding Iran. He confirmed his country's readiness to provide a platform for peace negotiations in the city of Turkistan. This offer aligns with a statement previously made by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The two sides agreed to continue their dialogue on key matters concerning their bilateral relations.

President Tokayev first proposed Turkistan as a potential venue during a working trip to the Turkistan region on March 21. Addressing the public there, he clarified that while Kazakhstan does not seek an intermediary role in the complex Middle East situation, it is prepared to offer its territory as neutral ground for peaceful dialogue.

This diplomatic exchange follows recent congratulatory messages between President Tokayev and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the occasions of Oraza Ait and Nowruz holidays. In his reply, Tokayev expressed wishes for strengthened unity between their peoples and stability in the Middle East.