Iraqi Minister of Transport Rizak Muhibis Al-Saadawi discussed with Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadeq the latest developments in the Basra-Shalamja project, and they agreed to form a special committee in the transport sector.
Sources mentioned that "Minister of Transport Rizak Muhibis Al-Saadawi met with Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadeq on the sidelines of the 87th session of the ITC Inland Transport Committee held in Geneva to discuss transport projects between the two countries and ways to enhance mutual cooperation.
The meeting reviewed the latest developments in the Basra-Shalamja railway project for transporting passengers and visitors between the two countries. They also discussed measures and procedures to overcome obstacles in the project, including speeding up the demining process.
According to the statement, the minister said, "The project is of great importance to the Iraqi government as it provides a significant and safe means of transportation for visitors and travelers, especially during the million-strong religious visits. It also boosts the overall tourism sector, particularly religious tourism." He emphasized the "necessity of increasing the capacity for transporting visitors between the two countries through various means of transport and enhancing airport services and flight operations.
Both sides agreed on the importance of forming a special committee for the transport sector to explore ways of cooperation between the two countries. The committee will also oversee the organization of transport operations across all sectors (land, sea, air, and rail).
The Iranian Minister of Transport expressed her pleasure at the meeting, confirming that "there are various fields connecting the two peoples, especially during religious occasions and visits.
She said, "Iranian citizens praise the generosity of the Iraqi people, and there is significant solidarity between the two countries.
It is worth noting that the Ministry of Transport previously signed a contract with the Spanish company Emathia Construction to establish the 36-kilometer Basra-Shalamja railway.