The Iranian Ambassador to Baghdad affirmed the mutual intent of both Iraqi and Iranian leadership to realize a rail connectivity project between the two nations.
As reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) on Friday, Mohammad Kazem Al Sadiq confirmed the steadfast resolve of both nations to press ahead with the rail connection, stating that the initial phases and actions have already been set in motion.
The Iranian Ambassador emphasized that the project is intended to facilitate religious and natural tourism, providing a seamless back-and-forth journey for visitors and travelers from both countries.
Earlier this month, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al Sudani underscored the significance of the rail connection for travelers from Iran and Central Asian countries.
Al Sudani remarked: “The rail connection via the Shalamjah port is one of several segments for the transfer of travelers and visitors to holy shrines, expected to extend to Najaf Al-Ashraf and Karbala Al Muqaddas,” according to INA.
Further emphasizing the project, the Iraqi Prime Minister spotlighted the vital role of the rail link in bolstering Iraq’s infrastructural framework and accelerating its economic growth.
He pointed out that the initiative has been under discussion for years, with both Iraq and Iran finalizing their agreement to progress with it in 2021.
Last month, Bassim Al-Awadi, spokesperson for the Iraqi government, announced the foundation stone for the Basra-Shalamjah railway link project.
The project aimed at transporting travelers and visitors between the two countries.
Al-Awadi said: “The cornerstone for launching the implementation of this vital project to transport travelers and visitors between Iraq and Iran will be laid tomorrow.”
He pointed out that “this is among the important transportation projects in the region.”
The spokesperson added that it will also effectively contribute to transporting travelers and visitors from Central Asian countries towards Iraq.
“This project serves as an introduction to transportation projects that will connect Iraq with neighboring countries.”
“The government is working to implement these projects after they remained in the discussion and research phase for many years without being put into action.”
