BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10
By Elnur Baghishov – Trend:
The railway line between Iran and Turkmenistan can create conditions for both countries to earn billions of dollars a year, Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Rostam Ghasemi said, Trend reports citing the ministry.
He made the remark during a meeting with Turkmen Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
According to Ghasemi, the railway line is important. For example, Russia exports 20-25 million tons of coal a year to India via the Black Sea, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. It takes more than 3 months for the cargo to reach its destination, and the cost is high too.
"Meanwhile, Russia can gain access to Iran and the Chabahar port by rail. This will be very profitable for both Russia and India, as well as, the transit time will be reduced to 20 days," he added.
The minister noted that during a meeting between Iranian and Turkmen officials, some agreements were reached between the two countries in the transport and transit sectors. In this regard, an agreement was reached to allow 400 wagons to cross the border between the two countries daily.
During the meeting, Turkmen Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Serdar Berdimuhamedov said that despite economic and other problems (coronavirus, etc.), trade turnover between the two countries in 2021 increased by 84 percent, compared to 2020.
Berdimuhamedov also pointed out that one of the positive mechanisms of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Iran is the activity of the joint economic commission. Within the framework of the commission, cooperation is carried out in various fields.
"Turkmenistan welcomes Iran's proposal to increase transit of goods. In direction to develop the transport sector," he said.
According to the deputy chairman, Turkmenistan mainly needs drones and equipment in the agricultural sector.
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