Iran, Turkey to establish joint border special zone: Minister
West Azarbaijan Province, with six active border crossings shared with three neighboring countries, holds a unique strategic position, and Iran is moving forward with plans to establish a joint border special zone with Turkey, said Roads and Urban Development Minister Farzaneh Sadeq-Malvajerd on Saturday.
Sadeq-Malvajerd made the remarks during the inauguration of a 61-kilometer road and highway project in West Azarbaijan Province. The project includes the 31-kilometer Khoy-Qotur-Razi route and 30 kilometers of road construction valued at 16.5 trillion rials.
She emphasized that the newly opened section is part of the East-West Corridor, a critical transit route connecting Iran to international markets. Another segment of the corridor was inaugurated in East Azarbaijan Province three days earlier, extending toward the Tamarchin border.
West Azarbaijan Province, located in northwestern Iran, shares borders with Turkey, Iraq, and Azerbaijan. Its strategic location makes it a vital hub for regional trade and transit. The province’s six active border crossings facilitate the movement of goods, tourists, and travelers, contributing significantly to Iran’s economy. The proposed joint border zone with Turkey aims to enhance cross-border trade and strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
The minister highlighted the broader impact of transit corridors, noting that they not only improve livelihoods in cities along the routes but also influence economic activity across the region and the country.
“The volume of goods, tourists, and passengers moving through these corridors leads to sustainable economic growth,” Sadeq-Malvajerd said.
She added that Iran’s unique geopolitical position and frequent sanctions make the development of transit routes crucial for building resilience against external pressures.
Sadeq-Malvajerd also addressed road safety ahead of the upcoming Nowruz (Persian New Year) travel season, urging drivers to exercise caution and enjoy their journeys responsibly. She pledged that the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development is fully prepared to enhance travel services and reduce accidents by addressing high-risk areas.
“Our goal is to reduce traffic fatalities and protect the lives of our citizens, especially the younger generation who will shape the future of this country,” she said.