The discussions were held during a video conference on Monday between Iran’s Deputy Minister of Road and Urban Development Shahriar Afandizadeh and his Russian counterpart.

The two sides examined the Rasht-Astara railway project, which is a key part of the strategically important International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC), and also conferred on the joint road transportation issues.

The Iranian deputy minister underlined the significance of Rasht-Astara railway project, calling on the Russian side to finalize the designing phase of the project and sign an agreement with Iran in this regard by the end of 2023.  

He also highlighted Iran’s capacities for railway transportation, especially in the East Caspian route, urging the need for giving a boost to the transit of Russian cargos via this corridor to Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas.

The official stressed the need for the Russian side to ease the visa requirements for Iranian truck drivers, increase the coverage of transport under TIR Convention and lift the weight limit for Iranian trucks entering the country.

The two sides also agreed to hold the 14th conference on Iran-Russia transportation cooperation within the next two months.