Mottaki proposes joint fund in Central Asia-Caucasus

Tehran, March 8, IRNA – Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki proposed establishment of a joint investment fund among the Central Asian and Caucasian states in a bid to bring about more prosperity for the regional nations.

He made the proposal while addressing the opening ceremony of the 17th international gathering on the Central Asia and Caucasus here on Monday.

He said the establishment of the fund will lead to strengthening of the status of regional countries in such areas as energy, water, transportation and food.

Focusing on the issue of water and the importance it holds for regional countries, he said while the issue of water in itself could never act as a factor of conflict among regional states, the effect of third elements on the issue could turn it from an opportunity to a threat.

Stressing the special significance of transportation for the countries in the region, Mottaki said Iran has already constructed a railway to Herat in Afghanistan in line with its programs to help construction process there and is currently considering continuing it to China as an effective way to restore the “Silk Road”.

He further noted that construction of a railway transportation corridor between the Persian Gulf and Central Asia and Caucasus was on the agenda./end