TEHRAN, May 15: Pakistan and Iran are likely to sign an agreement for cooperation in the field of railways in a couple of days.

Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed is currently on a visit to Iran to explore avenues of cooperation between the two countries in the field of railways.

On Tuesday, Sheikh Rashid met his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Rehmati, and discussed matters to promote bilateral cooperation in railways.

Speaking on this occasion, Sheikh Rashid said that Pakistan and Iran enjoyed close brotherly relations, and expressed desire for further strengthening these ties in all fields, especially the railways.

He said railways was the cheapest and fast link between Pakistan and Iran. Referring to the upgradation of the Zahidan-Taftan road, he said this link would not only facilitate tourists to Iran but also boost business activities between the two brotherly countries.

The minister said that Pakistan and Iran could play an important role in strengthening trade and economic relations with ECO countries.

He said the railway organisations of the two countries could share expertise and technical know-how to boost cooperation in this field.

The minister also visited a locomotive factory and a diesel engine factory and held a meeting with members of its board of directors.

Both sides reviewed the current status of bilateral cooperation in the field of railways.

The Iranian Minister for Road and Transportation said that recent high-level visits between the two countries reflected political will of the leadership of the two countries to strengthen their existing bilateral relations in different fields.

He said Iran was keen to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in all fields, especially railways.The promotion of relations in this field could provide a solid basis for expansion of cooperation in other fields.

Ambassador of Pakistan Shafkat Saeed and senior officials from Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Roads and Transportation were also present on the occasion.—APP