Iran ready to host neighbors’ independent port authorities in Bandar Abbas
An economy official with Iran’s Foreign Ministry expressed the country’s readiness to provide necessary facilities in southern port of Bandar Abbas for neighboring countries to establish independent port authorities.
During the inauguration of Tehran-Aprin rail port terminal, Abdolrasool Mohajer Hejazi, the acting economy deputy to Foreign Ministry stated that Iran is prepared to provide necessary facilities in Bandar Abbas for neighboring countries to establish independent port authorities.
The first phase of Iran’s biggest dry port and rail terminal, called Aprin, was officially inaugurated in March, 2023. Covering approximately 450 hectares of land near the capital Tehran, Aprin is located at the junction of Iran’s East-West and North-South rail corridors, which makes it a significant hub for the distribution and exports of goods via railroad.
He highlighted Iran’s transit capacities, saying, “The Islamic Republic of Iran can serve as a vital link connecting regional countries.”
“To the north, there are neighboring countries without direct access to open seas, and Iran can act as their maritime gateway. Central Asian nations, Russia, Belarus, Caucasus countries such as Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia, as well as Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, can now access Bandar Abbas through Iran’s transportation corridors.”
Emphasizing the potential for deeper collaboration, he said, “These countries may even establish their own independent port authorities in Bandar Abbas.”
Hejazi also underscored opportunities in southern Iran, stating, “The United Arab Emirates can utilize the Islamic Republic of Iran’s route — the best, shortest, safest, and most accessible pathway — to reach Central Asia.”
Meanwhile, the official noted, “Today, coinciding with the inauguration of this project, a major Chinese freight train has been symbolically dispatched to the project site, marking the operationalization of commitments and the transition from rhetoric to action.”