Iran, Kazakhstan Set Target to Transit 5 Million Tons of Cargo via Rail
(MENAFN) In a recent meeting between Jabbar Ali Zakeri, Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAI), and Ontalap Onalbayev, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Tehran, both parties set a target to transit five million tons of cargo through Iran over the next five years. Zakeri highlighted the outcomes of previous discussions between the railway directors of Iran and Kazakhstan, emphasizing that the necessary capacity for transporting this volume of cargo via Iran’s railway network has been identified. Both sides are committed to achieving this goal within the agreed timeframe.
Zakeri also pointed out that agreements have been reached with several CIS member countries, including Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, to facilitate the passage of Iranian wagons across Kazakhstan. This arrangement allows Iranian wagons to operate within Kazakhstan's railway network, and similarly, Kazakh wagons will have access to Iran’s railway corridors. These agreements are seen as crucial steps in enhancing bilateral transport links and fostering greater regional cooperation.
While discussing current figures, Zakeri noted that the annual transport of 275,000 tons of Kazakh cargo through Iran's railway system is insufficient, and joint efforts are needed to overcome barriers and meet the targets. He stressed that regular meetings between the two countries' railway authorities would help identify and address obstacles to achieving the desired cargo volume.
Ambassador Onalbayev expressed Kazakhstan's view of Iran’s railway network as the safest and most direct route for transporting goods to international waters, reaffirming the importance of continued cooperation. The meeting also follows a recent gathering between the Kazakh ambassador and the head of Tehran’s Chamber of Commerce, where discussions were held on expanding trade relations, including a forthcoming trade delegation from Kazakhstan.
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