Emphasis on Achieving 10m Tons of Transit Through the North-South Corridor

TEHRAN (Iran News) At the beginning of the session, Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development extended New Year greetings to the Russian government and people, expressing hopes for a year of peace and deepened bilateral relations.

Highlighting the importance of the regular sessions involving representatives from both countries, Sadegh referred to the drafting of a joint cooperation memorandum and the preparation of the 2025 roadmap, which was presented to the Russian side during the meeting. She proposed signing both documents simultaneously on a specified date.

Sadegh emphasized the necessity of developing transport cooperation within the North-South Corridor. She noted that, based on previous agreements, the goal of achieving a transit capacity of 10 million tons of cargo must be prioritized. Additionally, the existing infrastructure of the corridor, including rail, road, and sea routes, should be expanded to activate a 20-million-ton capacity.

Sadeq also emphasized: Considering the prior agreements between Iran and Russia, achieving the goal of transiting 10 million tons of cargo along the North-South Corridor is essential. The 20-million-ton transit capacity along the current routes of this corridor must be activated through rail, road, and maritime infrastructure.

She highlighted the importance of activating the eastern branch of the North-South Corridor and the necessity of swiftly implementing executive actions. The minister also stressed the need for the swift activation of the eastern branch of the corridor, the establishment of a trilateral transport and customs committee among Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan, and facilitating visa issuance for Iranian truck drivers. She highlighted the importance of increasing commercial shipping capacity and expanding passenger lines in the Caspian Sea.

Sadegh described the creation of a comprehensive transport roadmap between the two countries as a significant achievement currently being pursued by both ministries.

Roman Starovoyt, Russia’s Minister of Transport, expressed his appreciation for the Iranian minister’s efforts in organizing the productive meetings and agreed with all the proposals discussed during the session.