Tehran, October 21 (MRUD NEWS)—Iran and Russia deputy transport ministers followed up mutual transport projects through a video-conference meeting on October 16, 2023.  

In the meeting, the two sides evaluated the status of infrastructure and transport cooperation between Iran and Russia and discussed ways to remove existing obstacles and increase cooperation. 

The latest status of land acquisition, progress of the Rasht-Astara railway project, and rail freight transit were among the most important agendas discussed by the parties.  

In this meeting, Shahriar Afandizadeh, Iran's transport minister, emphasized importance of the Rasht-Astara railway project for the development of transit along the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and called for decisive actions on the part of Russia to finalize the design phase and concluding contract before long.   

Pointing to the potentials of Iran's rail transit, especially in the East of the Caspian Sea, Afandizadeh emphasized on the necessity of continued transit of Russian freights along this route to Bandar Abbas. 

The two sides also discussed problems of truck drivers in traveling to Russia, such as the need to provide facilities for obtaining urgent visas for drivers, the need to increase the coverage limit for TIR Carnets obligations in Russia, and to remove the weight limit for trucks. 

In the end, the two sides agreed to hold the 14th meeting of Iran, Russia comprehensive transport cooperation within the next two months.

In May 2023, the agreement for financing construction of Rasht-Astara Railway was signed between Iran and Russia.