Cargo transit by eastern branch of North-South corridor may reach 15 mln tonnes in 3-4 years - Iranian ambassador to Russia

ASTRAKHAN. Aug 22 (Interfax) - Cargo transit by the eastern branch of the North-South international transport corridor may reach its potential capacity of 15 million tonnes in three to four years, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali told Interfax.

"The eastern branch comprises Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran. It was activated in 2023. About 2 million tonnes of cargo were brought from there in 2024. The eastern branch is in very good shape. There is a potential, an opportunity to reach up to 15 million tonnes of cargo. [...] Such quantities are unlikely in 2025, it will take time. I believe this can be achieved in three to four years," Jalali said on the sidelines of the Caspian Media Forum 2025 in Astrakhan.

An increase in cargo transportation is also expected in 2025, he said.

Iran is interested in Russia's supply of grain, oilseeds, oil, paper and livestock products above all, Jalali said.

"Our relations have many areas. We are cooperating in nuclear power plants, medications, medical equipment and procurement of vessels," he said.

The North-South corridor connects northern Europe to Persian Gulf countries and the Indian Ocean via Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia. The multimodal corridor agreement was signed by Russia, Iran and India in 2000. It has 12 participants now. The corridor has three branches, including the western branch that goes along the western coast of the Caspian Sea, the eastern along the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea, and the trans-Caspian across the Caspian Sea.