(AGENPARL) - Roma, 17 Maggio 2023(AGENPARL) – KREMLIN mer 17 maggio 2023
Vladimir Putin and President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi took part, via
videoconference, in a ceremony for signing an agreement between the Government
of Russia and the Government of Iran on cooperation in financing the design,
construction and supply of goods and services for the Rasht-Astara railway line
in Iran, aimed at boosting transportation via the International North-South Transport
Corridor.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: President Raisi, friends,
I warmly welcome all of you at the ceremony for signing a Russian-Iranian agreement that will launch the implementation of a truly large-scale project to build the International North-South
Transport Corridor (INSTC).
We held many discussions on the importance of building this through railway line to connect Russian ports on the Baltic Sea and other northern seas to Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and of the Indian
Ocean. I would like to remind you that the pivotal decision on Russia-Iran
cooperation in that sphere was adopted during the top-level talks held in Tehran in July 2022.
Today we are witnessing the beginning of the implementation of that idea, which was probably formulated for the first time
20 years ago. A 162-kilometre railway line will be built between the cities of Rasht and Astara in Iran. It may look like a short stretch, but its
construction will allow us to create direct and uninterrupted railway
transportation, which professionals describe as seamless, along the entire
length of the North-South route.
Our successful cooperation within the framework
of this ambitious project is evidence of the high standards and the fruitful
and mutually beneficial nature of Russia-Iran relations. Both Russia and Iran
are giving priority attention to the strengthening of trade, economic and other
bilateral ties, which are based on the principles of neighbourliness, mutual
respect and consideration for each other’s interests.
In this connection, I would like to thank you, President
Raisi, and, of course, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for the constant
attention to cooperation with our country. I would also like to use this
occasion to convey our best regards to the spiritual leader of Iran.
To be continued.
Fonte/Source: http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/71144
