Iran calls for enhanced rail cooperation among SCO member states

Iran has urged greater collaboration in railway, transit, and logistics development among member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), emphasising the importance of coordinated efforts to boost regional connectivity and economic growth.

Speaking at the 5th meeting of SCO railway officials in Moscow, CEO of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, Jabbar-Ali Zakeri, proposed a trilateral meeting involving Iran and Russia to streamline tariffs and improve the efficiency of freight transport. 

He also suggested establishing an expert working group to address border challenges, identify underserved routes, and develop a financial model to attract investments for constructing new rail infrastructure.

Zakeri highlighted Iran's strategic location as a crucial transit corridor linking East and West Asia, reaffirming the country’s commitment to strengthening both bilateral and multilateral partnerships within the SCO. 

He underscored the significance of the east-west and north-south transit routes crossing through Iran, which serve as vital arteries connecting major markets across Asia and Europe.

A key initiative in this context is the North-South Intercontinental Corridor, a flagship project for global rail transport. This is reported by Tehran Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

Central to this vision is the completion of the Rasht-Astara railway in northern Iran, a pivotal link in the North-South Corridor. High-level negotiations between Iran and Russia are ongoing to accelerate its construction, with the project expected to significantly strengthen regional connectivity and facilitate international trade.

Iran’s call for closer cooperation aligns with the SCO’s broader objective of advancing infrastructure development and fostering economic integration among its member states.

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