Accra:The Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, has called for stronger regional collaboration in transport and rail infrastructure. Her remarks were made during the 14th Meeting of Transport Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Sadegh emphasized the potential for developing an integrated network that includes road, rail, and maritime transport across the region. She urged the implementation of existing agreements and practical measures to advance regional cooperation.

Sadegh highlighted the importance of protecting civilian infrastructure, especially in light of damages attributed to attacks by the US and Israel. She advocated for ensuring corridor security, maintaining transit flows, and facilitating truck movements by reducing customs barriers.

The minister pointed to the Almaty-Tehran-Istanbul rail link as a significant opportunity for boosting regional trade, calling for the removal of obstacles to rail transport. Additionally, she suggested that connecting ports, roads, and railways would provide landlocked countries with access to open waters, thus reducing transportation costs through the Chabahar rail connection and strengthening regional trade.