Iran Seeks to Expand Railway Network Through Afghanistan to Strengthen Links with China and Europe
The head of Iran’s Railway Administration has announced the country’s intention to expand its railway line through Afghanistan to enhance its rail connections with China and, from there, to Europe. This initiative was discussed during a meeting between Jabbar Ali Zakari and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Affairs under the Taliban administration.
According to the Economic Deputy Office of the Chief of Staff, the meeting took place today, during which both parties talked about economic relations, trade cooperation, and the development of the railway between Afghanistan and Iran. The geographic position of Afghanistan as a critical regional transit route was a key point of discussion.
Jabbar Ali Zakari stated in the meeting that Iran aims to leverage Afghanistan’s strategic location to establish a new railway route that would connect through China and onwards to Europe. He proposed the creation of a joint committee to advance the project and suggested initiating talks with the relevant companies.
In response, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar noted that around three years ago, he had discussed the economic value of this project with the Iranian Vice President and had shared information regarding it. He emphasized that forming a joint committee and commencing practical work as soon as possible would help move the project forward.
