Speaking to IRNA in Damascus, Amir Amini highlighted benefits of connection of Iran's rail network to Iraq and from there to Syria's ports in the Mediterranean Sea as follows: Reducing reliance on and limitations of road trade and the exchange of religious tourism among the three countries.

Iran's Deputy Minister of Road and Urban Development for Planning and Resource Management added, 'If rail lines of the three countries are linked, another basic step will be taken to connect the Chinese railways to the Mediterranean Sea through the territory of Iran, Iraq and Syria. This issue has also been addressed and necessary plans are made.

Amini stated, 'Iran is to strengthen its southern and northern ports by building a rail network so that the centers can benefit from it.' He added that Iran's rail and road transport lines along the borders of the neighboring country are one of the serious issues that have been addressed.

'We are confident that once the situation in the region is stabilized, the projects will be the subject of broad economic cooperation between Iran and other countries of the Middle East,' the official pointed out.

Referring to the US unilateral economic sanctions against Iran, he said, 'These sanctions cannot affect Iran's economic relations with the neighboring countries. Naturally some of the ignorant countries that are not aware of Iran's ability will accompany the United States. It does not matter.'