Iliyasu S. Yahaya
Iran and Turkey have agreed to start building a new joint rail line that will serve as a strategic trade corridor between Asia and Europe, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Sunday. The planned route, known as the Marand-Cheshmeh Soraya railway transit line, will cover around 200 kilometers and is expected to cost approximately $1.6 billion, taking three to four years to complete.
The rail line is part of a broader effort to revitalize the ancient Silk Road, transforming it into a modern, end-to-end rail system that will enable faster and cheaper transportation of goods between China and Europe. The project is seen as a key component of Iran’s transit strategy, positioning the country as a central hub for trade between East and West.
The agreement was announced during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, where Araghchi emphasized the need to remove barriers to trade and investment between the two countries. The rail line is expected to significantly boost regional trade, with Iran aiming to expand its infrastructure and trade ties with neighboring countriescountries.
