Erdogan, Ahmadinejad agree to build Iran-Turkey railroad

In the framework of the UN General Assembly’s 62nd session in New York, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad agreed to build a railroad connecting Iran and Turkey.

There are two projects for building the trunk-railway from northern and southern banks of Lake Van, said Ismet Yilmaz, the Turkish Minister of Transport. Erdogan and Ahmadinejad also consulted with the Iranian Minister of Roads and Transportation Mohammad Rahmati, who said Iran can cover the expenses.
“A Turkish delegation will be sent to Iran next week to discuss the issue. We think building of the railroad from the north of Lake Van is more real,” Mr Yilmaz said.
Iran and Turkey already signed a preliminary agreement on delivery of Iranian gas to Turkey, which met a sharp reaction of the United States. Although Turkey defends ties with Iran, U.S. official calls on Turkey to seek alternatives such as agreeing with other regional suppliers including Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. Energy Minister Hilmi Guler is expected to meet his Iranian counterpart this month to sign a major energy deal.
TNA