Citing Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAI), IRNA reports that Iran and Tajikistan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in railway transit.     

The MoU was reportedly signed by RAI CEO Jabbar-Ali Zakeri and Rohi Ohani Tojikiston (Tajik Railways) top manager Mirzokomil Jumakhon in Dushanbe on May 29 during the visit of Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref to Tajikistan.

Under the MoU, Tehran and Dushanbe will optimize the use of existing capacities and will increase international railway transport, which will allow Iranian wagons to operate in Tajikistan’s rail network, IRNA said.

Another component of the MoU permits Iranian wagons to be dispatched from Tajikistan’s rail network to other railways.

WANA reports that since Tajikistan and other former Soviet republics use the same track gauge and have harmonized railway regulations inherited from the USSR era, this agreement facilitates the movement of Iranian railcars across a wide regional network.

The agreement is reportedly expected to contribute to the commercialization of the East–West and North–South transport corridors that pass through Iranian territory.

According to WANA, Iranian transport and transit expert Mehdi Bagheri stated that this agreement between Iran and Tajikistan marks a major step toward operationalizing the East–West and North–South corridors via Iran, paving the way for increased regional trade and more efficient transit logistics.

To expand its foreign trade, Tajikistan reportedly seeks access to the warm southern waters.  Given its shared border with China and historical role as part of the ancient Silk Road, Tajikistan is considered a strategic link in the East–West corridor that runs through Iran.