The event is organized jointly by the Federation of Freight Forwarders of India and the sports club ‘Kalinga Motor’, said Iran’s Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, reported Trend News Agency.

Iranian entities organizing the race are the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Road Facilities, the Federation of Motorcycles and Vehicles and the Customs Board of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The 30-day rally will cover the route from extending from Shiraz, Isfahan, Tehran, Qazvin, Rasht to Astara port on Iranian territory and onward to Moscow and St. Petersburg and back again to finish in Chabahar.

Twenty trucks are participating in the competitions, one from Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan, while the rest will belong to the Indian teams. Around 39 participants are taking part in the competition.

The North-South transport corridor is designed to connect Northern Europe with India and Southeast Asia. The route will also link the railways of Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia.

In the initial stage, six million tons of cargo are planned to be transported through the corridor per year and the figure will eventually rise to 15-20 million tons.

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Team Melli defeated Uzbekistan 2-0 in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.

The two teams observed one minute of silence as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in terror attacks in Tehran.

Sardar Azmoun, who was chosen as the Man of the Match, opened the scoring for Carlos Queiroz’s team in the 23rd minute. The Rostov striker has scored 19 goals in 26 matches for Team Melli.

Iran could have scored the second goal in the 48th minute but Masoud Shojaei missed penalty kick.

Mehdi Taremi finished off Uzbekistan in the 88th minute, finding the back of the net from inside the area.

Iran cemented its position at the top of Group A with 20 points.

South Korea is second with 13 points with one game in hands.

Uzbekistan sits third with 12 points.

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Russia’s Nikita Liamin/Viacheslav Krasilnikov and Poland’s Kantor/Losiak came up with straight-set wins over their rivals to progress to the final of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Kish Island 3-Star on Saturday.
Liamin/Krasilnikov outplayed Germany’s Lorenz Schumann/Julius Thole 2-0 (21-19, 21-15), while Kantor/Losiak overpowered Stoyanovskiy/Yarzutkin 2-0 (21-13, 21-17) in the semifinals.
Liamin/Krasilnikov’s slow start allowed Schumann/Thole to gain the early lead in the first set, but the Russian’s better performance down the stretch secured them the set-win at 21-19. The Russian pair kept their pace and capitalised on the German’s missed attacks to seal set and match victory at 21-15.

Kantor/Losiak took control early on in the match, while Stoyanovski/Yarzutkin struggled on their attacks. Kantor mounted several excellent blocks, which provided the Polish side to gain cushion and win both sets at 21-13 and 21-17.

Schumann/Thole can still earn their first-ever World Tour medal against last year’s Kish Island silver medallists Stoyanovskiy/Yarzutkin in the bronze medal match at 15:00 local time, while Liamin/Krasilnikov will play their first final together against last year’s bronze winners Kantor/Losiak at 16:00.

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On cooperation between Tehran and Moscow over oil swap projects, Bijan Zanganeh said no talks were conducted in this regard during the recent visit to Iran of Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak though relevant negotiations are underway with Lukoil company.

He further touched upon gas swap with Russia asserting “Gazprom is taking measures to join hands with Iran for gas swap purposes.

“During the recent visit of a Russian delegation to Tehran, talks were held over development of some Iranian oil fields and agreements were also signed.”

The official underlined that Russneft firm was seeking to collaborate with the Headquarters for Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO) to develop four oilfields including South Azadegan.

During visit of Russian economic and oil delegation, headed by Novak, to Tehran last week, the MoU for studying two oil fields of Cheshmeh Khoshk and Chenguleh in west of Iran were signed.

Accordingly, Iran’s Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh reported on signing research and development MoUs with Russia for expansion of seven Iranian oilfields.

Russian Lukoil will be engaged in study on Mansouri and Ab Teimour, Russian Zarubezhneft will study Aban and West Paydar and Tatneft will study the Dehloran , while Gazprom will study Cheshmeh Khoshk and Chenguleh oil fields.

Meanwhile, one joint project likely to be implemented by the two sides is oil swap deal which has not reached conclusion and based on primary talks 150,000 barrels per day oil is slated to be swapped though the figure will eventually hit 500,000 barrels per day.

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According to Interfax news agency, the agreement, which was signed with an unnamed Iranian company, enables both sides to study the projected sales.

The news agency quoted an unnamed Russia aviation official as confirming the development. The official added, however, that the agreement was still not binding.

Russia’s aviation giant Sukhoi signed a preliminary agreement with Iran to sell Superjet 100 planes.

Head of Iran’s Aseman Airlines Hossein Alaei had earlier said his company was negotiating with Sukhoi as well as several other leading global plane makers to renovate its fleet.

He added that Sukhoi had conducted trial flights of Superjet 100 last week in Tehran, which, he said, was carried out at the invitation of Aseman Airlines.

Last Sunday, an Iranian aviation official said that the country’s airlines were planning to open plane purchase talks with Sukhoi.

Maqsoud Asadi-Samani from Iran‘s Aviation Companies Association was quoted as saying that Iranian airlines were specifically considering the company’s Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft.

Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a modern fly-by-wire twin-engine regional jet with up to 108 passenger seats. With development initiated in 2000, the airliner was designed and spearheaded by Sukhoi — a division of the Russian civil aerospace company (UAC) — in cooperation with several foreign partners, according to Mehr News Agency.

Designed to compete internationally with its An-148, Embraer E-Jet and Bombardier CSeries counterparts, the Superjet 100 claims substantially lower operating costs

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Speaking during the 13th meeting of Iran-Russia Joint Economic Commission, Russian Deputy Minister of Energy Kirill Molodtsov touched upon major axes of talks between Iranian and Russian firms over oil, gas and energy industries saying “Russia’s Lukoil has commenced new exploratory activities in the Persian Gulf as well as conducting talks with the National Iranian Oil Company for development of oil and gas fields.”

He also recalled numerous proposals made by other oil giants of Russia like Gazprom, Tatneft and Russneft for participation in various sectors of Iran’s oil and gas industry asserting “Russian firms are fully ready to conduct maximum cooperation with the Iranian sides.”

“Three Russian companies have also joined negotiations for partnership in Iran’s power industry as regards project financing in thermal power plants.”

Molodtsov underlined that representatives of over 20 active companies of Russia had mulled over with Iranian counterparts in fields like oil, gas as well as transport of petroleum products; “new contracts are expected to be soon endorsed between both parties in case current talks are pursued.”

Deputy Russian energy minister also touched upon the cooperation agreement inked between National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) and Russia’s Gazprom emphasizing “the deal mainly revolves around implementation of gas pipeline and storage projects.”

Also on the sidelines of the business forum, Deputy Iranian Commerce Minister Mojtaba Khosrotaj said the main outcome of talks between Tehran and Moscow was defining of a five-year cooperation plan with a focus of mines and industries.

He further reiterated that Iran and Russia had agreed to create balance in the volume of trade turnover between the two countries by signing into several new accords in a wide variety of arenas.

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The deals open the way for Gazprom to carry out studies at the Cheshmekosh and Changouleh fields near the border with Iraq, according to the Shana news agency, which is linked to the Oil Ministry, AFP reported.

That adds to five other oilfields that have already been earmarked for Russian firms Lukoil, Tatneft and Zarubezhneft.

The latest deal was signed by Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak, who is visiting Tehran with a 590-strong business delegation.

Russia and Iran are keen to deepen their economic relationship.

Iran has announced a slew of energy deals with foreign firms in recent weeks, despite uncertainty around the incoming US administration of Donald Trump, who has vowed to take a more confrontational stance toward Tehran.

Last week, Anglo-Dutch giant Shell signed an initial accord to explore two of Iran’s largest oilfields at South Azadegan and Yadavaran, as well as the Kish gas field.

That followed an initial deal with France’s Total last month to develop part of the South Pars gas field – a project worth an estimated $4.8 billion.

But doubts persist over how these deals will be financed so long as Iran remains frozen out of the international finance system by continuing US sanctions.

The government has announced that Iran’s energy infrastructure urgently needs an infusion of foreign cash, technology and know-how.

Russia Keen to Participate in Iran’s Oil, Gas Projects
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Tuesday that Moscow is keen to participate in Iran’s oil and gas projects.

He made the remarks in the Iran-Russia trade forum in Tehran.

Iran and Russia will continue cooperation in execution of development projects in the oil and gas sector, the official added.

He said that Iran and Russia will promote cooperation in construction of gas, electric and nuclear power plants.

Iran and Russia are keen to enhance all-out ties, Novak added.

He referred to removal of Islamic Republic’s sanctions and said the ground is now ready for Russia’s investment in Iran’s oil and gas projects.

The two countries enjoy good capacity for promotion of cooperation, Novak added.

He said that the volume of cooperation between the two states is increasing.

Iran and Russia enjoy longstanding cooperation in energy fields and they can work together in fields of construction of nuclear, electric and gas power plants, the minister added.

He said that central banks of Iran and Russia have taken good steps forward resolution of banking problems.

Russia will cooperate with Iran to develop its Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and electrify its railroads, Novak added.

He said Moscow is ready to sell superjet planes to Iran.

National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) and Russian Gazprom Neft on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation.

Managing Director of the NIGC Hamid-Reza Araqi and Deputy Managing Director of Gazprom Alexander Medvedov signed the deal in the presence of Iran’s Minister of Communications Mahmoud Vaezi and Russian energy minister.

The two sides decided to form five working group with regards to the extent of the working fields. The working groups corresponded and held talks on trade of gas, R&D, production and implementation of the joint projects and gas application.

In the meeting, the projects of investment in Iran were outlined and it was announced that Iran is ready to absorb more than 62 billion dollars investment in the NIGC projects in the coming years.

With lapse of almost one year since the first working session, the two sides signed the MoU based on outcome of their expert sessions.

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The visit will be a major step towards implementing the decisions taken by the presidents of the two countries to expand bilateral ties, IRNA reported.

The delegation is headed by Russia‘s Minister of Energy Alexander Novak.

The 13th Iran-Russia Joint Economic Commission is also to meet in the Iranian capital during the Russian delegation’s visit.

Iran’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mahmoud Vaezi and the visiting Russian minister are to co-chair the Tehran meeting which is considered as an unprecedented measure towards fostering bilateral relations.

The Russian delegation is scheduled to ink several agreements and hold talks with Iranian officials.

Coincident with the Joint Economic Commission meeting in Tehran, Iran-Russia Energy Commission will hold its first session to review ways to widen bilateral cooperation in that area.

Iran’s ambassador to Moscow said Tehran-Moscow cooperation is witnessing a bright future.

According to reports, Iran and Russia have planned to increase economic relations to an annual $4 billion by the end of 2017.

According to the latest figures, economic exchanges between the two countries grew by 80 percent in first half of 2016 compared to the figure for the same period last year.

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The train left Moscow for Tehran with 40 tourists from Britain, US, Australia, Spain, Canada and South Africa. Golden Eagle had already passed Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan in 18 days to get to the city.

Iran has become a destination for 40 tourists from all across the world, who have paid 20,000 euro for the trip and are eager to visit fabulous tourist attractions.

Railway Director General of Khorasan Razavi welcomed the tourists at Mashhad railway station and expressed hope that they would enjoy their stay in the country.

He stated that this is the first time that Mashhad hosts tourist train after 20 years from the opening of the Sarakhs border.

The arrival of the train coincided with mourning rituals on Arba’een, which marks the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hossein.

There are a lot of people that in the especial day flock to Mashhad, Iran’s holy city, to the shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Imam of Shias, , northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi. Annually about 5 million domestic and foreign pilgrims make pilgrimage in the city. According to a governmental statistics we have more than one million pilgrims during these days in 2016.

While in Iran, the train will take the visitors to Iran’s tourism hubs of Kerman, Yazd, Isfahan, and Shiraz. The train is expected in Tehran on November 27 where it will stay for two nights. It will later return to Mashhad and then to Turkmenistan and further on its way back to unwind its 18-day tour.

The main route of the Trans-Siberian Express — which is equipped with a four to five star hotel service — was always through Russia, the Trans-Siberian route, as well as the Silk Road through Central Asia.

The Trans-Siberian Express had to change the cars and truck wheels, so they fit the Iranian track which has a different gauge of railways than that of Russia.

Tim Littler, the president of Britain’s Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Limited that operates the railway cruise to Iran, had earlier told Sputnik that the luxurious cruise is not a one-time trip. “This is a real active project that will have a permanent schedule of tours,” Littler had said.

“The luxury train from Moscow to the Persian Odyssey will run on a continuous basis. They will go twice a year. In Iran, the best time to go is in spring and autumn. At other times of the year, it is virtually impossible to conduct tours, as it is either very hot or cold. Therefore, we will travel in October and November and in March and April.”

The Golden Eagle Luxury Trains had already conducted three rail trips to Iran from Europe.

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Held at the drenched Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Malaysia, the match was delayed for 45 minutes due to wet conditions which also made playing tough for both sides.

The Persians maintained the upper hand all through the encounter against Syria though they failed to find the net and ended the fifth game in the third round of qualification with only one point.

The draw against Syrians, however, confirmed Iran’s position on top of Group A with eleven points followed by South Korea and Uzbekistan who have so far bagged 10 and 9 points respectively.

Meanwhile, Syria’s national football team stays in the fourth place with five points after five games in the FIFA Asian qualifiers.

“I have nothing to say about the game, just that I’m proud of every single one of my players,” said Iran’s coach Carlos Queiroz.

He went on to note that “They gave their best right until the end. These were tough conditions to play football in. We are top of the group after five games and there are still five games to go. There is still lots of hard work ahead but we are working hard and we are still unbeaten and have not conceded a goal. We now look towards the next game.”/MNA

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