Turkmen delegation discusses regional transport links, including routes via Russia, in Iran

ASHGABAT. Feb 14 (Interfax) - Turkmenistan's delegation took part in the Iran Maritime Economy Forum, which addressed the development of international trade and transport links between the region's countries, a report published on the website of the Turkmen Agency of Maritime and River Transport said.

Officials of the Turkmen Agency of Maritime and River Transport represented Turkmenistan at the forum.

The participants in the forum, which was attended by Iran's transport companies, government agencies and business groups, discussed steps to further promote international trade and transport links between the region's countries along the North-South and West-East corridors, the agency said.

In particular, three transport routes were singled out: Europe-Russia-Azerbaijan-Iran-India, Russia-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran-India and Russia-Iran-India.

Meetings with representatives of Iran's Port and Maritime Organization also took place on the sidelines of the event. The Turkmen delegation briefed Iranian colleagues on the port system, the national merchant fleet and shipbuilding capabilities. Ideas to provide incentives to other foreign companies in the northern ports of Iran (Enzeli, Amirabad and Nushehir) were put forth as part of efforts to further expand cooperation, it said.

Separate roundtable talks were held with Behineh Tarabar Azhour chief advisor Mustafa Akdam, who informed the Turkmen delegation of the company's container transport services in the Caspian Sea and cargo transportation on the Amirabad-Baku route.

The Turkmen delegation will visit Iran's Amirabad port on February 14.