Iran, Armenia agree to build second bridge at Norduz border crossing

Iran and Armenia have reached a preliminary agreement to construct a second bridge at the Norduz border crossing as part of efforts to deepen transport and transit links between the two neighbours.

Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development said the deal also covers improvements to the existing bridge, upgrades to border terminals and revisions to lorry tolls, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media.

Officials say the measures are designed to ease cross-border freight movement and form part of a wider transit package that is expected to be finalised in the coming months.

Alongside road projects, the two governments are pressing ahead with plans for a strategic rail link connecting the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea. Iran already has a railway line to Jolfa, on its border with Nakhchivan, and has approved the extension through Nakhchivan to Yerevan.

According to Tehran, the route could strengthen trade flows between Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Europe.

In aviation, draft agreements have also been prepared and are due to be signed soon.

Armenia’s landlocked position was a further focus of talks. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation on port access, enabling Yerevan to make use of logistical facilities at Iran’s southern ports on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Officials said the arrangement would provide a stronger transit corridor linking Iran and Armenia with Europe and East Asia.

By Aghakazim Guliyev