A newly signed 20-year strategic partnership agreement between Iran and Russia emphasizes the urgent need to accelerate the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway, a crucial link in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for efforts to expedite the construction of a key railway project in the north of the country.

The mayor of Rasht said: Rasht will be effective in the BRICS cooperation, by using its tourism, cultural, environmental and strategic potentials.

In order to participate in the BRICS International Summit, the mayor and the member of the Islamic Council of Rasht city went to Russia.