Iranians Agree to More Russian Goods/Knowledge

Russian Railroads and Iranian Railroads have signed a cooperation memorandum, according to a Russian Railroads spokesperson. During the course of negotiations, Iranian Railroads mentioned their interest in buying Russian railroad technology, equipment and rolling stock. According to terms of the memorandum, the Iranian side will send a list of items it plans to purchase to Russian Railroads by June 15, 2004 as well as inform the Russian company of its capability to render assistance in delivering the items to Iran.

Meanwhile, until June 1, 2004 Iranian Railroads will receive Russian scientific and technical plans for the modernization and reconstruction of the railroad rolling stock and railroad infrastructure in Iran. The Russian side is also pressing for a quick decision to the question of the construction of the new Kazvin-Resht-Astara railroad and organization of a tri-lateral meeting between the railroad leaders of Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan to determine how best to realize the project including the possible creation of an international consortium for construction and exploitation of the railroad.