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.