Iran Press/ Europe: In a meeting with Iran's Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, held in Moscow on Monday, Levitin emphasized the significance of the western section of the INSTC, which runs through Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. He reiterated Russia's commitment to advancing this project and expressed his readiness to visit Tehran for further talks with members of Iran's new cabinet, underlining the ongoing collaboration on joint economic initiatives.
Ambassador Jalali noted the progress made in the eastern part of the INSTC, reporting that in 2023, around 650,000 metric tons of goods were transported through this route for the first time. He also highlighted a significant increase in cargo movement via the Caspian Sea, with volumes reaching 10 million metric tons in 2023, up from six million metric tons in 2022.
Jalali further elaborated on the potential of the western section of the corridor, stating that it could handle over three million metric tons of goods in 2023—a notable increase from the 1.5 to 2 million metric tons transported in previous years. He emphasized that Iranian officials are working to deepen ties with Russia, a process expected to accelerate under Iran's new administration.
The INSTC is a crucial trade route involving numerous countries, including Iran, India, Russia, Azerbaijan, and several Central Asian and European nations. Azerbaijan, which joined the INSTC in 2005, plays a pivotal role in this corridor, linking the transport networks of its member states.
214
