Islamabad: Iran's Ambassador to Islamabad, Reza Amiri Moghaddam, and Pakistan's Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi, have held a meeting in the Pakistani capital city to explore ways to enhance bilateral railway cooperation and expand regional trade.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the two sides on Wednesday reviewed ongoing rail connectivity projects, including the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) ECO train corridor. The discussions focused on improving the current infrastructure and ensuring seamless operations across the railway networks connecting the two nations.

The two sides also examined plans for the repair and upgrading of the Quetta-Taftan rail section in Pakistan, highlighting the need for improved security and infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted rail operations. This section is seen as a critical component for enhancing trade and connectivity between the two countries.

Both officials agreed to intensify coordination in rail transport and broaden cooperation in other sectors. They discussed strategies to achieve these goals, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and collaboration in realizing the full potential of their railway networks.

Abbasi emphasized Pakistan's appreciation for its longstanding, culturally rooted, and mutually respectful ties with Iran. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to maintaining and strengthening these ties, particularly through enhanced transportation and trade links.

The meeting also touched on regional developments, particularly in the West Asia region, with Pakistan reiterating its support for peace and diplomatic solutions. Ambassador Amiri Moghaddam praised Pakistan's constructive role in promoting regional stability, acknowledging the positive impact of such efforts on peace and cooperation in the region.

Both sides welcomed current efforts aimed at dialogue, de-escalation, and peaceful conflict resolution, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration to address regional challenges and opportunities.