Türkiye discusses reviving regional rail link through Gulf in talks with Saudi Arabia

Türkiye has begun discussions with Saudi Arabia to revive a major regional railway corridor linking the Middle East, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Speaking on the initiative, Fidan said the proposed rail route would connect Türkiye through Syria and onward to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

“We have started discussions with Saudi Arabia to revitalise the train route from Türkiye to Syria, from Syria to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the rest of the Gulf. We've taken huge lessons," he said. 

Discussions over reviving the 1,300 kilometre railway have also been backed by Syria and Jordan, with planning to modernise what could be a vital overland logistics and passenger corridor connecting Europe and the Mediterranean directly to the Gulf.

Türkiye has already agreed to rebuild a critical gap of 30 kilometres of missing rail track in Syria.

By Sabina Mammadli