Baghdad: Minister of Transport Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi received Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadiq at the Guest House in Baghdad to discuss bilateral cooperation and transport projects between the two countries. A statement by the ministry stated that during the meeting, the latest developments in the Basra-Shalamcheh railway project for transporting passengers and visitors between the two countries were reviewed. They also discussed ways and procedures to overcome obstacles to the project, including accelerating the demining process and other measures.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Saadawi stated that the project is receiving the attention of the Iraqi government, as it constitutes an important and safe means of transportation for visitors and travelers, especially during the days of millions of religious pilgrimages. It also enhances the tourism sector in general, particularly religious tourism. He pointed out that work is underway on the project, and that progress is steadily progressing. The project will soon be launched by the Spanish implementing company, stressing that work is progressing intensively to remove mines and construct the bridge with a navigational opening.

The two sides also discussed enhancing cooperation and coordination in the airspace, and the activation of maritime transport projects between the two countries. For her part, the Iranian Minister of Transport emphasized that there are multiple areas that connect the two peoples, especially during religious occasions and the Arbaeen pilgrimage. She emphasized that the meeting addressed issues of great importance to both countries in land, sea, railway, and port transport.

It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Transport had previously signed a contract with the Spanish company Imatia Construcciones to construct the 36-kilometer Basra-Shalamcheh railway line.