A “Strategic Cooperation Plan for the Implementation of the Astara Terminal Construction and Operation Agreement” has been signed between Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) and the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways.

Axar.az reports that ADY announced this information.

The contract was signed by ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov and the head of Iran Railways, Jabbar Ali Zakeri Sardrudi, during the meeting of the Azerbaijan-Iran Intergovernmental Joint Commission in Tehran.

The railway leaders discussed expanding operations at the cargo terminal located in Astara, Iran, and reviewed ongoing work at the terminal. The document, based on the railway section of the 16th Intergovernmental Joint Commission Protocol between Azerbaijan and Iran, includes the approval of the Astara terminal's Master Plan, completion of construction by the end of the year, recognition of final investments, and other matters.

The Astara terminals in both Azerbaijan and Iran will facilitate faster and more efficient handling of increasing cargo volumes along the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This will help realize the corridor's strategic potential, strengthen the transport infrastructure of both countries, and promote regional trade development.