Speaking on Thursday at the inauguration ceremony of the Khaf-Herat Railway, Dr Hassan Rouhani and Mr Ashraf Ghani said that the opening of this historic project will be an important step in reviving and a leap in the cooperation between the two countries. Addressing the "Dear People of Afghanistan", Dr Rouhani said, "Today is a day of peace and blessing for the two great nations of Afghanistan and Iran; two nations from the same roots, history, culture and from the same region throughout history, who have maintained their brotherhood and neighbourhood as each other's best companions". "Our connection has always been through our common hearts, thoughts, cultures, behaviours and efforts, and today the railroad strengthens this connection," the president said. Stating that today is a happy and unforgettable day for the two nations of Iran and Afghanistan, Dr Rouhani said, "I wished that this ceremony could be held in person, but due to health instructions related to coronavirus, we had to hold a video conference". At the ceremony, the President of Afghanistan described the operation of the historic and vital Khaf-Herat railway project as the result of the tireless efforts of both countries in connecting the region and achieving future economic prosperity and said, "I wished to inaugurate this great project in person, but the limitations caused by coronavirus led us to inaugurate this vital project through video conferencing". Mr Ashraf Ghani stated, "Completion of this important project, despite the limitations caused by the spread of coronavirus, is a clear sign of the national will of both countries and the product of the efforts of engineers, workers and all people involved of this important project". He added, "The inauguration of this historic project will undoubtedly be an important step towards a leap in economic cooperation between the two countries".