TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif lauded the role that Astana played in diplomatic resolution of disputes over Tehran�s peaceful nuclear program.

Speaking Sunday at a meeting in Tehran with Kazakh Minister of Investment and Development Asset Issekeshev, Zarif highlighted the close relations between the two countries, saying, �We have strong ties with Kazakhstan.�

�We do not forget the role that Kazakhstan played in gaining diplomatic achievements of the (Iranian) peaceful nuclear case,� the Iranian top diplomat said, adding that Astana has always had a �constructive� role in resolving regional issues.

He further pointed to an upcoming visit to Iran by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, slated for late April, and said the trip would open a new chapter of relations between the two countries.

The Kazakh official, for his part, congratulated the Iranian nation on the recent implementation of the July 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers and removal of anti-Iran sanctions, saying the 250-strong delegation accompanying him in his trip to Iran aim to boost trade relations with the Islamic Republic.

The remarks come against the backdrop of a new wave of interest in ties with Iran after Tehran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) on July 14, 2015 reached a conclusion over the text of a comprehensive 159-page deal on Tehran�s nuclear program and implemented it on January 16.

The comprehensive nuclear deal, also known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), terminated all nuclear-related sanctions imposed on Iran.

Experts believe that Iran�s economic growth would rise remarkably after the final nuclear deal takes effect.

By Tasnim News Agency