In a significant development aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and boosting regional connectivity, Iraq's Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, and Iran's First Vice President, Mohammad Mokhber, joined forces to lay the foundation stone for a cross-border railway line between the two neighboring nations.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on the common border, where the joint Shalamcheh-Basra railway project was officially launched during a meeting on Saturday. Both high-ranking officials underscored the importance of this collaborative initiative and discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation before initiating the executive phase of the railway's construction.

The Shalamcheh-Basra railway, spanning 32 kilometers and evenly divided between the two countries, is set to be completed within an estimated timeframe of 18 months.

Under the agreement, Iran will take charge of demining operations and the construction of a bridge over the Arvand River in Basra, while Iraq will be responsible for handling the substructure and pavement work for the entire project. To fund this transformative project, the Iraqi government has allocated approximately $200 million.

During the ceremony, Mohammad Mokhber emphasized the strategic significance of the Shalamcheh-Basra railway, describing it as a visionary plan that holds immense potential for both Iran and Iraq. He highlighted that this infrastructure project has the capacity to reshape the West Asia region, underlining its role in connecting the two countries' railway networks.

Furthermore, this railway project is anticipated to play a pivotal role in enhancing international transportation routes, fostering trade and economic development, and strengthening ties between Iran and Iraq. It symbolizes a significant step towards regional cooperation and connectivity, ultimately benefiting the people of Iraq and contributing to the broader economic and geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.