Tehran, December 23 (MRUD NEWS)—Iran Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Mehrdad Bazrpash, and First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Shahin Mustafayev, as the heads of Iran, Azerbaijan Joint Economic Commission talked over the phone on December 22 to confer on joint economic agendas including transport and energy. 

In this telephone conversation, Shahin Mustafayev pointing to the growth of freight transit between the two countries mentioned that in 2023 transport between Iran and Azerbaijan had 40 percent, international transit 57 percent, and rail transport 47 percent increase.  

Mustafayev added that during this period, for the first time, more than 700,000 tons freight were transported by rail between the two countries, mainly to Russia.

The two sides also emphasized on accelerating the joint projects, including the new transit route in Astara and construction of dams.

They also agreed on the opening of a new transit passage between the two countries at the Astara Border in the near future with the presence of the heads of Iran, Azerbaijan joint economic commission. 

Previously in October, the construction of Aghband road bridge over Aras River was formally kicked off as a new transport link between the East Zangezur economic region of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through Iran's territory during the visit of Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development to Azerbaijan while the MoU for a railroad bridge was also reached.