Türkiye, Iran, and Afghanistan have signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen railway cooperation, marking a significant step toward regional transport integration, officials from the three nations confirmed on Friday.

The agreement was signed by Veysi Kurt, General Director and Chairman of the Board of Türkiye’s State Railways (TCDD), Jabbar Ali Zakiri, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and General Director of Iran Railways, and Muhammad Ishaq Sahibzade, head of the Afghan Railways Authority.

According to the officials, the MoU seeks to deepen collaboration among the three countries, improve the efficiency of existing railway infrastructure, streamline border crossing procedures, and increase transportation capacity across shared routes. The initiative also aims to promote sustainable logistics networks and establish a reliable railway corridor linking Türkiye, Iran, and Afghanistan.

The trilateral agreement reflects Türkiye’s broader efforts to expand trade and transport links with its eastern neighbors, reinforcing its strategic role as a bridge between Europe and Asia. The planned corridor is expected to facilitate smoother freight movement, stimulate regional commerce, and bolster economic cooperation among participating countries.

Analysts highlight that the deal underscores the growing importance of rail connectivity as a driver of regional integration, particularly in areas where geography and political borders have historically posed challenges to trade and infrastructure development.

Officials emphasized that turning the agreement into a fully operational railway network will require technical coordination, harmonization of standards, customs facilitation, and sustained investment. Once established, the corridor could serve as a key route for transporting goods between South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, enhancing access to international markets.

The MoU thus marks a new chapter in trilateral cooperation, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and interconnected transport corridor that promises to strengthen economic ties and foster stability across the region. (ILKHA)