“The new Sarakhs Bridge was built based on previous agreements with Turkmenistan, and we were able to complete the bridge successfully despite the difficulties,” Eslami said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the bridge.
He reiterated that a new chapter in relations between the two countries has begun due to the success of different joint projects, including Sarakhs bridge.
"Turkmenistan is one of the routes from the North-South Corridor and part of the Silk Road that continues to China and the transportation via the Silk Road is by both train and truck," Eslami said.
He noted that Iran and Turkmenistan have sought to reach a common understanding and developing mutual cooperation, and said, "This is in line with the goal which the Iranian and Turkmen officials have been seeking."
Eslami concluded that trade between the two countries will resume next week.
Iran and Turkmenistan inaugurated a border bridge between the two countries on Monday evening.
"Sarakhs border bridge was officially inaugurated in the presence of Iran"s Minister of Roads and Urban Development , the Minister of Construction and Architecture of Turkmenistan, the governors of Akhal and Khorasan Razavi and the ambassadors of the two countries," Spokesman for the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration Seyed Rouhollah Latifi announced.
He pointed out that the inauguration of the bridge has been on the agenda of the two sides in line with reopening the land and rail borders, and said, "Within the next few days the borders of the two countries will be reactivated for trade exchanges."
In a relevant development in late April, Iranian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Abbas Ali Arbab Khales underlined willingness of the officials in Tehran and Ashgabat to deepen bilateral relations in different fields.
“Expanding relations and increasing transit cooperation between Iran and Turkmenistan in railroads and roads sections and removing restrictions are necessary,” Arbab-Khales said during a meeting with the border points committee.
He informed of his full preparedness to help expand different economic relations, specially the potentials that have not been used yet.
The official, focusing on capabilities of border provinces like industries, construction, agriculture, academics, and novel sciences, added that these capabilities can act as a good ground for expansion of relations.
Source: Farsnews - Date: (09 June 2020)