A historic turn: First Russian train embarks to Saudi Arabia

Published September 6th, 2023 - 07:44 GMT
Russian train
A view of the Nigerian Railway Corporation trains at the Idu Railway Station during the resumption of Abuja-Kaduna train railway operations in Abuja. AFP
Highlights
It signifies a significant stride towards diversifying economic and strategic collaborations between Russia and the Middle East, all within the context of persistent Western sanctions linked to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

ALBAWABA- In a historic development, the first-ever Russian train has departed towards Saudi Arabia. This remarkable journey commenced from St. Petersburg, Russia,  passing through the North-South route via Iran heading to its final destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The North-South route comprises an intricate network of roads, maritime passages, and railways, stretching across continents through St. Petersburg, then traversing India and Iran before concluding in the Gulf region. 

The primary objective of this ambitious project is to revolutionize commercial shipping by substantially reducing both time and cost when compared to conventional routes like the Suez Canal, known for its prolonged sea shipping durations.

This groundbreaking train expedition signifies a momentous achievement, positioning Saudi Arabia as a pivotal logistics hub for Russian exports heading eastward. 

It signifies a significant stride towards diversifying economic and strategic collaborations between Russia and the Middle East, all within the context of persistent Western sanctions linked to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. 

Embracing railway transportation opens new avenues for Russia to access and engage with burgeoning eastern markets, promising to fortify economic and trade partnerships with Middle Eastern countries in the foreseeable future.


 

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