Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, held talks with the Director of Iranian Railways, Jabbar Ali Zakari, focusing on strengthening economic relations and expanding trade cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

According to officials familiar with the meeting, discussions centered on the development of railway infrastructure as a key driver of regional connectivity and economic growth. The Iranian side presented a proposal for a strategic rail corridor linking China to Europe through Afghanistan, positioning the country as a vital transit hub in regional and transcontinental trade routes.

Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing rail links to facilitate the movement of goods, reduce transportation costs, and support broader economic integration across the region. The proposed corridor is seen as part of wider efforts to revive historical trade routes and improve connectivity between Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

During the meeting, the two delegations also underscored the need to establish a joint technical committee to study the proposal in detail and coordinate practical steps toward its implementation. The committee would be tasked with addressing technical, logistical, and administrative aspects of railway development and cross-border cooperation.

The talks reflect ongoing efforts by Afghanistan and Iran to deepen economic cooperation through infrastructure projects, particularly in the transport and transit sectors, amid growing regional interest in alternative trade corridors connecting Asia and Europe. (ILKHA)