BAKU:: The forthcoming BRICS summit will host pivotal discussions between Iran and Azerbaijan focusing on the expansion of the International North-South Transport Corridor, as well as enhancing the rail connectivity between the two nations, announced Jabbarali Zakeri, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and Director General of Railways Administration.

According to Trend News Agency, Zakeri detailed these plans during his meeting with Roshvan Rustamov, the Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC. He revealed that Iran had accepted a proposal from Russia to deliberate on a new route for the corridor during the summit. Zakeri emphasized the proactive measures taken by various Iranian transportation companies in this direction, suggesting a potential increase in collaborative ventures between Iran and Azerbaijan.

The discussions are also set to explore serious negotiations held between Iran and Russia regarding the construction of the Rasht-Astara railroad, which is a crucial segment within the I
ranian stretch of the North-South corridor. This project is anticipated to commence construction soon. Zakeri highlighted that Iran currently has five operational routes connecting with the CIS countries, with a potential capacity for transporting 10 million tons of cargo annually through the corridor.

The BRICS summit, where these discussions will take place, is scheduled in Kazan from October 22 to 24, 2024, under Russia’s chairmanship. The summit represents a significant platform for dialogue among its expanded membership, which now includes Brazil, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, the historical context of the North-South Transport Corridor was shaped by an intergovernmental agreement signed on September 12, 2000, between Russia, Iran, and India. This agreement, ratified by multiple countries, aims to reduce the delivery time of goods from India to Russia and Northern and Western Europe. The operational Qazvin-Rasht railroad, inaugurated on March
6, 2019, serves as a vital link within the corridor, connecting Azerbaijan’s railroads with Iran’s railway network.

This strategic discussion at the BRICS summit could significantly enhance the transportation infrastructure between Iran and Azerbaijan, fostering greater economic collaboration and optimizing the logistic chains across the involved nations.