In a meeting with the Russian Consul General in Rasht, the Governor of Gilan emphasized the strategic position of the province in the North-South Corridor and said: Gilan can be the main axis for the development of economic relations between Iran and Russia in the Caspian Sea region, and the completion of the Rasht-Astara railway project will open a new horizon in the trade cooperation between the two countries. According to the Public Relations Department of the Gilan Governorate; the High Representative of the Government in Gilan met with Andrei Vadov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Rasht, this afternoon (Wednesday), referring to the long-standing relations between Iran and Russia in the Caspian Sea region, and stated: Russia is today Iran’s most important trade partner in the Caspian region, and a large part of Iranian ships sail to Russian ports.
He added: Due to its special geoeconomic position in the north of the country, Gilan plays a pivotal role in activating the North-South International Corridor; a corridor that enables the connection of the Persian Gulf ports to the ports of Russia and Northern Europe via the Rasht-Astara railway.
Referring to the implementation process of this project, the Governor of Gilan said: So far, more than 51 percent of the lands of the Rasht-Astara railway route have been acquired and we are in consultation with the Russian side to secure financing and select a contractor so that the implementation operations can begin as soon as possible.
Haghshenas also announced the holding of a meeting of governors of the Caspian Sea countries in Rasht and stated: This meeting, which will be held next month with the presence of three governors from different regions of Russia and officials of the Caspian coastal countries, will be a valuable opportunity to strengthen economic, trade and infrastructure cooperation between the coastal provinces.
He considered the development of economic relations to be one of the most effective tools for solving the country’s problems and added: Today, economic diplomacy is the main axis of international interactions, and Gilan, with the benefit of active ports, a diverse transportation network and capable human capacities, can play the role of a bridge connecting Iran with the Caspian countries.
The Russian Consul General in Rasht also emphasized the importance of Iran-Russia relations in the Caspian Sea and said: Russia is ready to cooperate with Gilan in various economic, technological and cultural fields and welcomes the holding of the Caspian Sea International Conference hosted by Gilan.
He noted: The active presence of provincial officials, chambers of commerce and the private sector in international meetings indicates the common will of the two countries for the sustainable development of economic relations and the expansion of mutual investments.
