Mohammad Rahmati noted that fast and easy transportation plays an important role in commercial ties between Iran and Pakistan, Moj reported.

Talking to visiting Pakistani railways minister late Monday, he pointed to the cultural and historical background shared by the two countries and added that stronger business and economic ties can pave the way for the expansion of cooperation.

In related news, Irna reported that Pakistani Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad emphasized the development of relations among Islamic nations, and said Pakistan’s railway, which is currently connected to India, will eventually be connected to China as well.

Ahmad further said the connection of Iran-Pakistan railways will make it more affordable for Pakistani pilgrims to cross Iran en route to Hajj pilgrimage.

The Pakistani minister, who is in Tehran at the invitation of Iranian roads and transportation minister, asked that Iran to share its experience in rail technology with Pakistan and requested some 10,000 coaches from Iran’s Pars Wagon Company.

He is scheduled to meet other Iranian transportation officials and experts during his visit and is expected to sign several cooperation deals while in Tehran.

Rahmati also said the Bam-Kerman stretch of Bam-Kerman-Zahedan railway project has been completed and in the Bam-Zahedan part only 150 kilometers is still under construction. Some 1.5 trillion rials will be needed to complete the project.

“Unfortunately only 50 percent of the budget is envisaged in this year’s budget bill,“ he added.

“Therefore we are preparing a double urgency bill to present to the Majlis in the hope of getting credit commitment to complete the project by the end of the year.“

According to the minister, the country has the physical means of carrying out the project and the financial issues are the only obstacles hindering it.

Managing director of ’Raja’ Passenger Train Company was also present in the meeting.