Alexei Overchuk, with Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev, left, and Minister of Roads and Urban Developmen Farzaneh Sadegh, right, inspecting border crossing points at the Azerbaijani-Iranian border
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev and Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran Farzaneh Sadegh have conducted a joint visit to the Azerbaijani-Iranian border to inspect crossing point infrastructure, both existing and under construction. The visit is part of the three nations’ coordinated plans to develop the western branch of the North-South International Transport Corridor (INSTC).
This joint border visit followed a trilateral meeting on infrastructure cooperation and enhanced transport connectivity in the region, which was held on November 13 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
The discussions focused on the construction of road, rail, and customs infrastructure, as well as on eliminating bottlenecks to increase the new transport corridor’s capacity.
After reviewing the operations at the checkpoints on both sides, Alexei Overchuk, Shahin Mustafayev, and Farzaneh Sadegh held a working meeting to develop joint solutions for ensuring equitable conditions for carriers crossing state borders.
Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk noted that growing trade ties between Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran necessitate collaborative efforts to strengthen transport connectivity and create seamless logistics along the entire western route of the INSTC.
In a statement to reporters, Alexei Overchuk confirmed that the three nations have a target to increase freight traffic along the North-South corridor to 15 million tonnes, a goal which requires their coordinated efforts.
“Iran is currently conducting design and survey work to prepare for the construction of a railway section between Astara and Rasht,” the Deputy Prime Minister stated.
He added that the Iranian side had briefed participants on its progress regarding the Rasht-Astara line, emphasising that Iran is advancing well with its preparations.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the vital role of road transport in the INSTC’s development. “To ensure maximum convenience for drivers, carriers, exporters, and importers, the appropriate infrastructure must be in place and fully operational,” said Alexei Overchuk. He confirmed that these issues have been successfully resolved at the Russian-Azerbaijani border, where checkpoints are now functioning effectively. He also acknowledged Azerbaijan’s significant investment in building a modern road network on its territory.
Alexei Overchuk noted the high activity of Russian carriers: “Upon entering Iran, we saw that the vast majority of trucks queuing to enter Azerbaijan were Russian.” He emphasised the close trade and economic ties between the three countries and expressed confidence that they will continue to expand.
Following the talks in Azerbaijan, the parties agreed to establish a coordination mechanism. “The countries will set up a joint working group, co-headed by their respective deputy transport ministers and deputy heads of customs services, in order to promptly and thoroughly resolve any existing issues,” the Deputy Prime Minister told the media.
