Iran, Azerbaijan Move To Fast-Track Railway Link, Transit Projects
Iran and Azerbaijan have agreed to accelerate the implementation of joint railway, transport and border infrastructure projects as both countries seek to strengthen trade connectivity and improve transit routes across the South Caucasus.
The agreement was reached during a telephone conversation on Sunday between Iran’s Transport Minister, Farzaneh Sadegh, and Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Shahin Mustafayev.
The two officials discussed the progress of bilateral economic cooperation, with particular attention to transportation, energy and customs infrastructure. They also reviewed ongoing projects and explored measures to ensure faster implementation of agreements reached between both countries.
During the discussion, Sadegh called for the accelerated formation of joint committees tasked with implementing previously agreed action points. She said closer coordination between the relevant agencies of both countries would be necessary to overcome delays and ensure that key infrastructure projects are completed as planned.
The two sides have already established specialised working groups to coordinate cooperation in areas including gas, electricity and logistics.
The latest discussions come against the backdrop of efforts by both countries to restore transport infrastructure affected by recent tensions along their border. Sadegh acknowledged that the disruptions had affected parts of the transport network but said reconstruction and repair activities were progressing according to schedule.
She noted that priority was being given to major overland and railway routes considered important to regional trade and transit.
A major focus of the discussions was the railway connection between Iran and Azerbaijan. Mustafayev disclosed that Azerbaijan had completed construction of its section of the railway up to the Aghband region.
He said the completion of the corresponding section on the Iranian side would allow the two countries to establish a continuous railway connection, significantly expanding transit capacity and improving the movement of goods across the region.
The planned rail connection is expected to strengthen the transportation network linking Iran and Azerbaijan while creating greater opportunities for regional commerce and logistics.
Mustafayev also praised Iran’s efforts to repair transport infrastructure damaged during the recent tensions, saying the country’s commitment to restoring regional corridors deserved recognition.
The Azerbaijani official emphasised the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries in developing transport and economic infrastructure, particularly projects capable of facilitating cross-border trade.
Both officials agreed that deeper economic integration and improved connectivity could play an important role in promoting stability and strengthening commercial relations in the region.
The railway project is also seen as part of broader efforts to improve regional transit corridors and provide additional routes for the movement of goods between neighbouring countries.
While neither side announced a specific completion date for the remaining railway works, the telephone discussion underscored the growing commitment of Tehran and Baku to speeding up infrastructure development and expanding transit cooperation.
The planned railway connection, once fully completed, could increase the efficiency of freight movement through the South Caucasus and offer an alternative to some traditional regional trade routes that pass through countries with which Iran or Azerbaijan have competing interests.
The latest development therefore signals renewed efforts by Iran and Azerbaijan to deepen bilateral economic cooperation while positioning their transport networks to play a greater role in regional trade and logistics.
