Tehran: Iran and Afghanistan are actively working towards the finalization of the Khaf-Herat railway project, a crucial infrastructure initiative aimed at reducing transit times and costs by connecting the two neighboring countries. The CEO of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, Jabbar-Ali Zakeri, highlighted the strategic importance of the railway, which links Khaf in eastern Iran with Herat in western Afghanistan, during a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Head of the Afghan Railway Administration, Mawlawi Mohammad Ishaq Sahebzada, and his delegation. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Zakeri emphasized Iran's commitment to assisting Afghanistan in the railway's completion and proposed arranging a tripartite meeting among Iran, China, and Afghanistan to expedite the project's implementation. He noted that many issues faced by the Iranian and Afghan railway consortium have been resolved, with three trains currently operating weekly on the route. Additionally, Zakeri announced p lans for a third training course for Afghan railway staff, following Afghanistan's request. Started in 2007, the Khaf-Herat railway symbolizes the strengthening ties between Iran and Afghanistan, with both nations expressing optimism about the project's potential to boost trade and cargo transport. Sahebzada acknowledged Iran's support in training 96 Afghan railway employees and looked forward to further cooperation. He also mentioned significant cargo capacity along the China-Afghanistan-Iran route, reiterating Afghanistan's readiness to collaborate with Iran to enhance trade and transit. Moreover, the Afghan Railway Administration is conducting engineering studies for the Zaranj-Kandahar railway project, which aims to connect with Zabul, opening new opportunities for cooperation and trade exchanges between Iran and Afghanistan.