Kazakh Leader Tells Rohani Nuclear Deal Would Boost Economy, Ties

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev (right) welcomes visiting Iranian President Hassan Rohani in Astana on September 9.

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has told visiting Iranian President Hassan Rohani he hopes the disupte over Tehran's nuclear program will be resolved.

Nazarbaev said an end to the international dispute would "have a positive effect on the economic development of Iran and our bilateral relations."

The two leaders met on September 9 in Astana during Rohani's first trip to Kazakhstan as president.

Six world powers seeking to ensure Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons capabilities have set a November 20 deadline for a deal with Tehran, and the next round of talks begins on September 18 in New York.

Iran says its nuclear program has solely peaceful aims.

Rohani is due to travel on to Tajikistan and attend a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a security grouping comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Iran has observer status in the SCO.

Based on reporting by IRNA and Interfax