آغاز همکاری‌های ریلی میان افغانستان، ایران و ترکیه

Mohammad Ishaq Sahibzada, Deputy Minister of Railways at the Ministry of Public Works of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, led a delegation to attend the 36th regional meeting of the International Union of Railways held in Turkey.

According to the Ministry of Public Works, the meeting concluded that the best route for linking the Middle East and Europe’s railway networks with East Asia is through extending the Khaf–Herat railway to Mazar-e-Sharif.

The Deputy Minister also participated in a trilateral meeting between Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey. In this session, the three countries agreed to jointly begin the construction of the Herat–Mazar-e-Sharif railway. Each country will contribute financial, technical, and human resources to the project.

Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry, said: “In the trilateral meeting between Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey—held to strengthen railway cooperation, discussions focused on the importance of connecting the three countries by rail and on the transport of commercial goods.”

Meanwhile, economic experts emphasize the importance of connecting Afghanistan to regional and international railway networks, and call for investment in this sector.

Economic analyst Mir Shakib Mir said: “Investing in the expansion of Afghanistan’s railway system and connecting it with other countries is a fundamental need and a valuable opportunity. The development of railways could significantly boost trade between Afghanistan and regional countries.”

Another economic analyst, Abdul Zohor Modabar, said: “We have several assets that we can showcase to the world and convince others to establish partnerships with Afghanistan. As a transit hub, we can foster strong relationships with regional countries.”

The Ministry also noted that in addition to participating in the 36th regional meeting and the trilateral session, the Deputy Minister attended the 9th Transit Working Group Meeting organized by the Middle East Regional Office.