ALWAGHT- Afghanistan has signed a trilateral agreement with Iran and Turkey to enhance regional railway connectivity.
Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey have signed a trilateral agreement to extend the Khaf–Herat railway line to Mazar-i-Sharif, aiming to strengthen regional connectivity and boost trade. The deal was finalized during the 36th UIC Asia Pacific Regional Assembly in Turkey, with all three countries pledging financial, technical, and human resources to support the project.
The railway extension is seen as a strategic initiative to link the Middle East and Europe with East Asia, potentially positioning Afghanistan as a key hub for regional trade and logistics. It forms part of the broader Five Nations Railway Corridor, which seeks to connect China, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and Iran, facilitating trade and economic integration across Central Asia.
Since its inauguration in 2020, the Khaf–Herat railway has already enhanced trade between Iran and Afghanistan. The planned extension to Mazar-i-Sharif is expected to further improve Afghanistan’s access to international markets, including Iranian ports and, via Iran, to Turkey and Europe. The project highlights growing regional cooperation and underscores the strategic role of infrastructure development in promoting economic ties.
