Iran, Turkmenistan pave way to expand road, rail cooperation

Tehran, IRNA – Iran and Turkmenistan have agreed to begin construction of the Gumdag-Atrak road in Turkmenistan within the next few months to facilitate road transport between the two neighboring countries, says Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh.

Speaking about the results of her two-day visit to Turkmenistan, Sadegh said on Sunday that expanding rail and road cooperation and following up on previous transport agreements were among the main topics of talks.

She noted that progress had been made in rail transport cooperation, particularly at border terminals, adding that the new road project would help facilitate the movement of Iranian truck drivers.

An Iranian company will undertake the construction work on Turkmen territory, she added.

Sadegh also said that the two sides discussed energy cooperation and regional transport initiatives involving Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Russia, expressing hope that continued talks would lead to stronger economic and transit ties.

Sadegh accompanied President Masoud Pezeshkian on his visit to Turkmenistan on October 8-9 to attend the first Caspian Environmental Summit and the CIS summit.