Iran and Cuba have further deepened their ties in transport and economic cooperation. Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash met with Cuban Minister of Transportation Eduardo RodrÃguez Dávila and discussed expanding maritime and air transportation cooperation. Cuba has signed an agreement with Iran's Wagon Pars company for the purchase of rail carriage parts and the repair of carriages. The two ministers also explored the use of Iranian ports and Iranian engineering and technical services in housing, roads, and rail construction. Additionally, the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture is hosting a joint forum for Iran and Cuba, focusing on the potential of their markets and trade and investment advantages. Iran is seeking to strengthen ties with countries that share anti-Western perspectives due to heavy US sanctions, while Cuba's economy has been significantly affected by the US trade embargo. Iran has been cultivating alliances with Latin American countries for over four decades, aiming to influence the region with its ideology [a4ece641].