PMO News Portal - at the signing ceremony of the twinning
contract between Astara port of Gilan and Astrakhan in Russia which was held virtually,
Hamidreza Abaei; Director General of Ports and Maritime of Gilan said: More
than 60% of Iran's maritime trade in the Caspian Sea is with Russia, and
development of maritime relations according to The International Maritime
Organization laws is necessary in order to increase trade between the two
countries.
Pointing to the eagerness of Gilan ports to attract
investors, Abaei stated: We are ready to welcome investors with the aim of
increasing maritime transport in Gilan ports.
Mehdi Akuchekian; The Consul General of the Islamic Republic
of Iran in Astrakhan said: With the twinning agreement, we will see an increase
in the exchange of goods and transit between the two ports of Astara in Gilan
and Astrakhan in Russia.
He added: With the increase in trade, the international
north-south corridor will become more operational and we will also see the
export and transit of Iranian goods and of goods from India to Russia and
Europe.
Denis Afanasyev; The Minister of Industry, Transport and
Natural Resources of Astrakhan Province also stated: Close ties between the two
ports and common interests, including Astrakhan and Astara port services, bring
the two countries closer together. Last year, the operation of three million
and 30 tons of good been recorded between Astrakhan and Iran, which has
increased by 15% compared to last year.