Iran’s ambassador to Turkmenistan, Gholam Abbas Arbab Khales, confirmed that Tehran and Ashgabat are advancing joint efforts to cut transit tariffs and streamline cargo movement between the two countries. The update comes amid ongoing negotiations that have already yielded tangible progress, according to the diplomat and reported by TASS. Tehran aims to boost overland transit volumes through both nations toward third markets by reducing tariff barriers and simplifying cross-border procedures that often complicate shipments. The diplomat noted that the discussions are focused on harmonizing differing national legislations and customs regimes to facilitate smoother commerce for goods traveling between Iran and Turkmenistan, as well as broader regional corridors. He also indicated that similar negotiations are under way with Uzbekistan, underscoring Tehran’s strategy to align multiple transit routes across Central Asia.
Nurmukhammed Amanepesov, Turkmenistan’s deputy prime minister, highlighted at the Central Asia–EU summit in Cholpon-Ata that the European Union should leverage Afghanistan’s transit potential to expand trade flows. Amanepesov described commercial and economic cooperation as a cornerstone of the Central Asia–European Union partnership, emphasizing that strengthening ties in this format would unlock the region’s logistics capabilities and accelerate the realization of transit routes. He stressed that coordinated efforts within this framework could significantly enhance the efficiency and reach of freight corridors linking the two regions.
The update also touches on broader regional security and governance matters. In recent years, Tehran has pursued measures to ensure stable and predictable transportation networks, including regular monitoring to address compliance with transit rules and regulations. The ongoing dialogues point to a sustained push to improve the reliability of cross-border shipments, reduce bureaucratic obstacles, and foster a more transparent trading environment across the Iran–Turkmenistan axis and beyond. These conversations are part of a wider trend toward integrated regional transport strategies designed to support cross-border commerce, investment, and economic development along Central Asian corridors.