Astrakhan Hosts Russia-Iran Talks On Shipping Co-Op On Int'l North-South Corridor

(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 16. Russian Astrakhanregion representatives and Iranian Consul General in AstrakhanMahdi Akochakian have discussed the operation of the new AstraportShipping company in the Caspian Sea as part of the development ofthe International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Trend reports via the press service of the government of the region.

"A meeting took place in Astrakhan involving the Minister ofIndustry, Trade, and Energy of Astrakhan Region, Ilya Volynsky, theMinister of External Relations of the region, Vladimir Golovkov,and the Consul General of Iran in Astrakhan, Mahdi Akochakian's significance as a pivotal transportation and logisticshub along the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)was highlighted. Akochakian underlined the active collaborationbetween Iran and Russia in advancing this INSTC," the press servicesays.

Volynsky emphasized that the primary route for cargo shipmentthrough the Caspian Sea is from Iran. Efforts are ongoing toenhance cargo transit and clearance conditions through Astrakhanports.

He also added that Astrakhan ports' overall cargo turnover forthe first quarter of 2024 surpassed 1.4 million tons, marking a 78percent increase compared to the same period last year.

To note, the International North-South Transport Corridor(INSTC) has been under development since 2000, involving 14countries, with two branches leading to Iran and India.

Astraport Shipping LLC was established in 2023 within theterritory controlled by the public joint-stock company AstrakhanPort, with shares held by Iranian CJSC Nasim Bahr Kish (53.1percent), the Russian government (25 percent), and several privatestakeholders.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency'sWhatsApp channel

MENAFN16052024000187011040ID1108220029