Iran discusses establishing free zone with Iraq, Syria
A boat moored at the port of Umm Qasr in Basra, Iraq. Photo: AP
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The secretary of the Iranian Free Zones High Council, Hojatollah Abdolmaleki, stated that talks to establish a trilateral joint free zone with Iraq and Syria are currently underway.
Abdolmaleki elaborated that the Iranian Free Zones High Council is taking the establishment of the free zone seriously and expects a significant increase in investment from all three sides, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
“In order to establish the joint free zone, we have undertaken discussions with representatives from Syria and Iraq,” Abdolmaleki stated. “The negotiating parties have indicated that they are in agreement, and we are currently awaiting a tripartite meeting,” he added.
The Iranian official noted that Iran signed agreements with six countries out of the 21 countries it is negotiating with to set up joint free zones.
Abdolmaleki elaborated that the creation of this combined free zone will be advantageous to Iran, Iraq, and Syria and will facilitate Iran’s access to the Mediterranean.