Tehran, Ashgabat discuss rail, road cooperation, new border route
Iran and Turkmenistan have agreed to advance a road project linking Gamdagh and Etrek, with construction expected to begin within the next one to two months, Iranian Transport and Urban Development Minister Farzaneh Sadeq said, as the two countries seek to expand transport cooperation and follow up on previous agreements.
Sadeq, speaking about the outcome of her recent two-day visit to Turkmenistan, said the trip was aimed at reviewing previous understandings and following up on their implementation. Her ministry is responsible for pursuing the work of the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Economic Commission, she said, according to IRNA.
During a meeting with the head of Turkmenistan’s side of the joint commission, the two sides reviewed earlier agreements and understandings and made progress on several areas of cooperation, Sadeq said.
Rail transport and border terminals, particularly those serving rail traffic, were among the main areas of progress, she said, adding that closer cooperation was important given Turkmenistan’s role in moving cargo entering Iran.
On road transport, Sadeq said the construction of the Gamdagh-Etrek road had been put on the agenda to address existing problems and facilitate travel. Under an agreement between the two sides, construction is expected to begin within the next one to two months.
An Iranian company with the capacity to carry out the project has been selected as the contractor, she said. The road will be built on Turkmenistan’s territory and is expected to ease travel for Iranian truck drivers and improve road links between the two countries. The Turkmen side also considers the route necessary for developing its road network, she added.
Energy cooperation was another topic discussed during the visit, with agreements reached that she hoped would yield results in the near future.
Sadeq said regional talks also covered trilateral cooperation between Iran, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, as well as coordination among Iran, Turkmenistan and Russia.