WANA (Nov 29) – During the 83rd meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Transport Council in Baku, the heads of the railways of Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan signed a strategic trilateral memorandum of understanding to develop the western route of the North–South international transport corridor.

 

The railway agreement marks a milestone in enhancing Iran’s role in regional transit networks(North–South) and improving coordination among the three countries.

 

According to Iranian Railways, the memorandum aims to establish fixed and transparent pricing for cargo transport, set competitive nationwide rates, and expand logistical services along the western corridor route—a key trade artery in Eurasia connecting Russia and Central Asia to Iran and Gulf markets.

 

The three nations emphasized sustainable, organized, and long-term cooperation, with the shared goal of transforming the western corridor into an active, reliable, and profitable hub for international transport.

 

Experts say the agreement could play a crucial role in facilitating trade, reducing transportation costs, and increasing Iran’s share of regional rail transit.

 

Analysts view this deal as a practical step toward accelerating infrastructure projects, standardizing tariffs, and improving logistical and transit services, potentially positioning the western North–South corridor as a strong competitor to traditional regional transport routes.