The Iran-China freight train was relaunched at Aprin dry port, southwest of Tehran, on Sunday. This coincided with the launch of the first phase of the China-Europe rail corridor. The event was attended by key officials including Miad Salehi, head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAI), Chinese embassy chargé d’affaires, the Kazakh ambassador, and the Turkmen attaché to Iran.
Salehi praised the cooperation of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan in the project, reflecting efforts to expand international diplomacy. The first phase of the China-Iran-Europe rail corridor also commenced, aiming to develop rail transport diplomacy. “The China-Iran-Europe rail corridor has high security and will take less time than sea transportation. In addition, using the China-Iran-Europe rail corridor will cost less for freight owners,” he added.
RAI deputy head for commerce, Morteza Jafari, noted that the China-Iran train launched last week will reach Iran in two days, with weekly exchanges planned initially. This rail route offers competitive travel times and tariffs compared to marine shipment.
Chinese chargé d’affaires Fu Lihua expressed optimism about the strengthened bilateral cooperation under the “One Belt – One Road” plan. Kazakh ambassador Askhat Orazbay hoped for future connections to Turkiye and the EU, enhancing regional cooperation.
The China-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran route offers a safer, faster, and cheaper alternative to China’s maritime access to West Asia and Europe, promising to boost regional trade and connectivity.
